World News
The Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Age of 88 Vatican City, 21st April 2025: With deep sorrow, the Vatican announces the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, aged 88, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia. The Pontiff passed away after a valiant struggle against respiratory complications, which had developed following his hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital on 14th February 2025. His Holiness had been suffering from chronic pulmonary conditions for many years, having undergone surgery in his youth to remove part of one lung. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s Camerlengo, conveyed the news on Monday, offering the following tribute: "Pope Francis dedicated his entire life to the service of God and His Holy Church. His ministry has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the faithful across the globe, and his legacy shall endure through the ages." The death of the Holy Father occurs within the extraordinary context of a Catholic Jubilee Year, a time of profound spiritual significance for the Church. His passing not only coincides with the most important event in the Catholic liturgical calendar, but also falls within the special Jubilee Year, which is celebrated once every quarter of a century. In a final act of grace, Pope Francis made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, less than 24 hours before his death. Despite his frailty, he was wheeled out to the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square. Waving to the gathered congregation, he offered a simple yet poignant greeting: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter." The passing of the Pontiff has elicited an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, "He diligently served the poor and downtrodden" Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed her sadness, saying, "This news saddens us deeply. His teaching and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord." Elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis served as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. Over the course of his twelve-year papacy, he became renowned for his efforts to advocate for social justice, his emphasis on environmental stewardship, and his call for peace in a world increasingly divided. His tenure marked a period of deep reflection and change within the Church, as he sought to make it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the contemporary world. The Vatican has confirmed that further details regarding funeral arrangements will be made public in due course. As the Church and the wider world mourn the loss of this revered figure, the faithful are invited to join in prayer for the eternal repose of Pope Francis' soul. |
