By Adenike Lawal
Pope Francis, revered worldwide for his humility, compassion, and deep reformist spirit, has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican broke the news on Easter Monday, confirming that the Holy Father passed away peacefully at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Church, announced that the Pope was pronounced dead at 7:35 in the morning.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of our Holy Father, Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome returned to the house of the Father.”
Just a day earlier, the pontiff made his final public appearance during Easter Sunday Mass, defying his recent health struggles to fulfill his pastoral duties.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church and the first from Latin America.
His papacy was marked by a bold embrace of mercy, social justice, and inclusion, especially for the poor and marginalized.
Cardinal Farrell described his life as a powerful witness to the Gospel, saying, “He showed us how to live out the Gospel with courage, faithfulness, and a deep love.”
Funeral arrangements and details about the next phase of Church leadership will be released shortly.
