Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Recent Illness, Vatican Confirms
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday. His death follows a recent period of illness that had seen the pontiff hospitalized and largely absent from Holy Week liturgies, raising widespread concern over his health.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the news, stating, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
In his final Urbi et Orbi message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis delivered a passionate plea for peace, particularly in the Middle East. He said, “Christ, my hope, has risen… Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge.”
The Pope’s health had been deteriorating over the past year, with repeated respiratory issues and hospital stays. Despite his condition, he continued to deliver messages of hope and compassion.
Pope Francis will be remembered as the first pontiff from the Americas, a spiritual reformer, and a voice for the voiceless, who placed mercy and justice at the heart of his ministry.
