In a video statement on April 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88.
“This morning (April 21), at 7:35 a.m., the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I announce the death of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said at the beginning of the video announcement, while thanking the Pope for his life dedicated to serving God and his Church.
“With deep gratitude for his example as a true disciple of Jesus, we entrust the spirit of Pope Francis to the infinite and merciful love of the Triune God,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell added.
Still recovering from double pneumonia, the Pope did not preside over Easter Mass but appeared for a few minutes to give the Urbi et Orbi blessing (To Rome and the World) and the media.
This year’s message, read by a colleague of the Pope while he was still in poor health, called for an end to conflict and a move towards peace, especially towards the situation in the Gaza Strip.
“Love conquers hatred, light conquers darkness and truth conquers lies. Forgiveness conquers revenge. Evil has not disappeared from history. It will remain until the end of time, but it no longer has the upper hand. It no longer has power over those who welcome today’s grace,” Pope Francis urged.
Previously, the Vatican also said that US Vice President JD Vance visited and met privately with the Pope at his residence on April 20. This was also the last high-ranking leader to meet Pope Francis before he passed away a day later.
The meeting was described as lasting “just a few minutes”, mainly to exchange greetings on the occasion of Easter.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013. He impressed with his special attention to the poor – who are considered vulnerable in society.
Pope Francis’ health has been declining since he was hospitalized in Rome (Italy) on February 14. The head of the Catholic Church had difficulty breathing for many days and was diagnosed with double pneumonia.
The medical team treating him said that due to his old age and having had surgery to remove part of a lung when he was young, Pope Francis is considered a “very fragile patient”.
The Vatican had to announce several times that he was in “critical” condition.
However, the Pope overcame and was discharged from the hospital at the end of March. While doctors asked him to limit work and participation in crowded events for the next few weeks to recover his health.
