Vatican City: Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday. The Argentine pontiff, who assumed the papacy in March 2013, had recently spent 38 days in hospital battling life-threatening pneumonia. Despite participating minimally in Easter rites, sparking hope for his recovery, he had not delivered keynote speeches himself.
According to Ansa News Agency, Cardinal Kevin Farrell expressed sorrow over Pope Francis’s death, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Tributes quickly poured in from across the globe. Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Premier Giorgia Meloni, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani were among the first to express their condolences. On the international stage, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, US Vice President JD Vance, and representatives from Iran also paid their respects.
Mattarella expressed a personal sense of loss, stating, “I learned with great personal pain the news of the death of Pope Francis, feeling the serious void that is created by the loss of the point of reference that he has always represented for me.” Meloni, in her statement, described Francis as a “great man” and the “Pope of the people,” emphasizing her personal connection with him.
Tajani fondly remembered Francis’s dedication to mercy and brotherhood, while Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of the Italian Bishops Conference called his death a “painful moment for the entire Catholic Church.” Von der Leyen highlighted the Pope’s humility and compassion, and Macron reflected on Francis’s mission to bring joy and hope to the poorest.
In Tehran, condolences were also extended, underscoring the global impact of Pope Francis’s leadership. Security measures in Rome have already intensified, with police forces converging near St. Peter’s Square as officials prepare for the anticipated influx of mourners.
Pope Francis is remembered as a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, advocating for the poorest and most marginalized, and urging the world to pursue peace and justice. His legacy is expected to continue guiding efforts toward a more compassionate and equitable society.
