THE WORLD MOURNS: Pope Francis Dies — A Heartbreaking Loss That Shakes Humanity to Its Core
Pope Francis dies
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has passed away at the Casa Santa Marta at the age of 88.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of the Pope. At 7:35 this morning (12:35 pm Hanoi time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on Vatican television on April 21.
“His whole life was dedicated to the service of God and the Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and charity, especially towards the poorest and most disadvantaged. With infinite gratitude for the example of him, a true disciple of Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite love of the Trinity,” the Vatican statement said.
After the news was announced, many believers flocked to St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican to express their condolences.
Pope Francis waves from a balcony to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on December 25, 2024. Photo: AFP .
The Pope’s remains will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. The mourning period will last nine days, with the specific dates to be decided by the cardinals. Traditionally, a Pope’s funeral is held four to six days after his death, in St. Peter’s Square.
During his lifetime, Pope Francis said that unlike many of his predecessors, he would not be buried in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Basilica of St. Mary in Rome. He asked to be buried in a simple wooden coffin.
Pilgrims carry a cross near St. Peter’s Square, after hearing the news of Pope Francis’ death. Photo: Reuters
The Pope died a day after he appeared in the Popemobile and drove through St. Peter’s Square as tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Vatican for Easter Mass. It was his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital in late March.
Pope Francis, 88, was twice close to death earlier this year after contracting pneumonia. He spent five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli hospital before being discharged on March 23.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis. Video: Vatican
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the eldest son of Italian immigrants. Before entering the priesthood, he studied chemical engineering and worked in a laboratory.
He was ordained a priest in 1969 and gradually took on important roles, from provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina to Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He is known for his simple lifestyle, closeness to the poor, and frequent use of public transport.
Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square during Easter Mass on April 20. Video: Vatican News
He became leader of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned on February 28, 2013, marking the first time a pope has come from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. He has chosen to live in the Casa Santa Marta, the residence for priests working in the Vatican, instead of the traditional papal residence.
During his years as head of the Vatican, Pope Francis has worked to defend the vulnerable, from migrants to communities affected by climate change. He has always displayed humility and simplicity, often calling widows, rape victims and prisoners.
Pope Francis is seen as more approachable than his predecessors. He is willing to talk to young people about many issues and talks openly about his health.
Pope Francis rides in a motorcade through St. Peter’s Square on April 20. Photo: Reuters
News
THE ROUTINE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING: How Torvill & Dean’s Mack & Mabel Rewrote the Rules of Ice Dancing Forever
🎭 “THE ROUTINE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING: How Torvill & Dean’s Mack & Mabel Rewrote the Rules of Ice Dancing Forever” 🎥 Watch the Performance That Shattered Conventions:👉 Jayne Torvill & Christopher Dean – Mack & Mabel (1982 European Championships) A Whirlwind of Music, Movement, and Magic In 1982, the ice in Lyon, France became a […]
THE KISS THAT NEVER WAS: What Really Happened Between Torvill & Dean — And Why Fans Still Can’t Let Go
💔 “THE KISS THAT NEVER WAS: What Really Happened Between Torvill & Dean — And Why Fans Still Can’t Let Go” 🎥 Watch the Emotional Fan Edit That Sparked a Million Questions:👉 Torvill & Dean – First Kiss Edit A Look, A Touch… But Never a Kiss? For nearly five decades, the names Jayne Torvill […]
NO ONE SAW THIS COMING: The Real Reason Torvill & Dean’s Final Arena Tour Is Their Last Time on Ice — Ever
FROZEN IN TIME: THE TRUTH BEHIND TORVILL & DEAN’S FINAL FAREWELL — WHY THEY’LL NEVER SKATE TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER THIS ARENA TOUR! FROZEN IN TIME: THE TRUTH BEHIND TORVILL & DEAN’S FINAL FAREWELL — WHY THEY’LL NEVER SKATE TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER THIS ARENA TOUR! | International Arts & Entertainment | May 2025 They’ve danced through […]
The Crown Will Decide: Prince William Reportedly Ready to Remove Meghan Markle’s Title as His First Major Act as King
Prince William to strip Meghan Markle of royal title after he becomes king: report An enraged Prince William reportedly plans to strip Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of their HRH titles once he inherits the British throne from King Charles III. “Charles might be happy to put up with this, but William won’t,” a royal […]
It’s Time the Ice Changed’: Torvill and Dean’s Bold Call for Same-Sex Olympic Skating Sparks Global Debate
Torvill and Dean call for same sex couples in Olympic skating Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have called for the introduction of same sex couples into Olympic skating. The Dancing on Ice judges have urged the Olympic committee to make the rule change, telling The Sun: “All organisations are now open to diversity and inclusion. So, yes that’s […]
Wait… They Sang Too? Torvill and Dean’s Secret Music Career Shocks Even Their Biggest Fans.
Dancing On Ice fans shocked by Torvill and Dean’s forgotten music career They’re ice skating royalty, but it turns out that Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean took a crack at the music charts too. What did you miss? For decades, Torvill and Dean have been British sporting royalty. Forty years since they won gold medals in ice […]
End of content
No more pages to load
