Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday

Pope Francis, 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away Monday morning at the age of 88. He was the first Latin American pontiff. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday. He also met with Vice President JD Vance that day.

From AP News:

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88.

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” said Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who takes charge after a pontiff’s death.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday — a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, drawing wild cheers and applause. Beforehand, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Thanks to Fyrfighter for the lead on the story.

Additional Reading:

Winfield, N. (2025, April 22). Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff who ministered with a charming, humble style, dies at 88. AP News. Link.

Category: International Affairs, Religion, Society