The Vatican announced on Monday the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, following years of battling various health issues during his 12-year papacy.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated, « This morning at 07:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the House of the Father. »
In his final public appearance on Sunday, the Pope entered St. Peter’s Square in an open vehicle, greeting tens of thousands of Catholics during Easter Mass celebrations. He sat on a raised chair in the back of the white car, gently waving to the cheering crowd chanting “Long live the Pope.”
Due to his deteriorating health, Pope Francis had significantly reduced his duties in recent days, as advised by his doctors. He did not lead the Easter Mass but appeared briefly to deliver a message to the city of Rome and the world.
