The supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church; Pope Francis has passed on. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The news of his death was announced on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:
“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 of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The Pope presided over the Catholic Church for more than a decade. The pontiff had suffered several health issues in recent years, with his health becoming increasingly frail.
The news came as a shock as Pope Francis had a brief private meeting with the Vice President of the United States of America, JD (James David) Vance on Easter Sunday morning, shortly after 11:30 am at the Casa Santa Marta.
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Pope Francis will be remembered as a pope like no other. He was the first from Latin America and was known as a controversial reformer.
His message was “I am one of you,” characterized the modesty of his pontificate.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the son of Italian immigrants in Argentina. He trained as a chemical engineer before studying theology.
He was first ordained as a priest in 1969 and became archbishop of Buenos Aires 30 years later.
As pope, he supported peace negotiations in Colombia and the Central African Republic, played a role in thawing relations between Cuba and the United States, and prayed for peace at significant sights in the Middle East.
Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in Peace, Amen.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”