VATICAN CITY — The world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to coma and heart failure. He was 88 years old.
The Vatican confirmed the news early Monday morning, April 21, in an official statement delivered by Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said solemnly. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the Catholic Church with a spirit of humility, inclusion, and deep concern for the marginalized. His papacy, marked by bold reforms and a focus on mercy and social justice, resonated far beyond the Vatican walls.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” said Cardinal Farrell. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
According to the Vatican, the pontiff's health had been declining due to chronic lung disease. The fatal stroke caused him to fall into a coma, from which he did not recover.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance just one day before his death. On Easter Sunday, he stood before thousands in St. Peter’s Square and delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing—a moment now etched in the hearts of the faithful as his final farewell.
Global leaders and religious figures have begun sharing their condolences, remembering Francis as a bridge-builder, a voice for peace, and a spiritual guide who challenged the world to embrace compassion.
As the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and prepares for the selection of a new pope, the legacy of Pope Francis—his message of mercy, his outreach to the forgotten, and his call for a more inclusive Church—will endure for generations.
