Pope Francis Has Passed Away at the Age of 88

FRANCE (RNN TV) — Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, just one day after making a long-awaited appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican confirmed.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the news in a statement, expressing deep sorrow: “Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35 am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”

His death came just a day after he delighted the crowds at the Vatican with an appearance on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, despite still recovering from a serious illness. Earlier this year, Pope Francis had come close to death twice due to pneumonia and spent 38 days in the hospital before being discharged on March 23.

On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis was seen in his open-air popemobile in St. Peter’s Square, greeting enthusiastic crowds. He wished them a “Happy Easter” and, during his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, called for freedom of thought and tolerance, offering a special blessing for the first time since Christmas.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many who had viewed the Argentine cleric as an outsider. Known for his commitment to the poor, he emphasized simplicity in his role, refusing the lavish papal apartments and instead choosing a communal living arrangement for his own “psychological health.”

Pope Francis inherited a church plagued by scandals, including the child sex abuse crisis, and sought to restore order in the Vatican. Over time, however, he faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives. While some felt he was dismantling cherished traditions, others believed he should have done more to reform the church.

Despite internal struggles, Pope Francis became a global figure, drawing large crowds during his numerous international visits and advocating for interfaith dialogue, peace, and the rights of marginalized groups, such as migrants.

In a unique situation, for much of his papacy, there were two men in white at the Vatican—his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who shocked the world by resigning in 2013 and continued to live in the Vatican until his death in December 2022. With Benedict’s passing, Francis was left as the sole pope.

Pope Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals who will elect his successor, raising the possibility that his progressive approach may continue, despite significant resistance from traditionalists.

Source: Web Desk