- Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, after a prolonged illness.
- He was the first Latin American pope, elected in 2013, known for his humility and reform efforts.
- Pope Francis will be buried at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, marking a historic departure from tradition.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His health had deteriorated in recent months, with a serious bout of pneumonia and other complications.
Notably, Pope Francis had expressed his wish to be buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. This makes him the first pope in over a century to do so.
Vatican Announces the Death of Pope Francis, Ending His 12-Year Papacy
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, after battling prolonged health issues. He had recently overcome a serious case of double pneumonia but continued to show signs of frailty. The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell expressing profound sadness. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s papacy was groundbreaking from the very beginning. Elected in 2013, he was the first Latin American to hold the position. He quickly distinguished himself by choosing humility and simplicity over tradition. He chose not to reside in the luxurious papal apartments. Instead, he lived in a communal residence, a choice he said was for his “psychological health.”
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis focused on issues of social justice, especially poverty and inequality. He also pushed for reform within the Church. His approach to leadership was often seen as inclusive, and he made significant strides in making the Vatican more transparent. His efforts to bridge divides within the Church and promote unity were hallmarks of his tenure.
In a unique decision, Pope Francis chose to be buried outside the Vatican, in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. This breaks with the tradition of being laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica. This final wish marks a significant departure from papal tradition. It emphasizes his desire for simplicity and humility until the end of his life.
Pope Francis leaves behind a profound legacy of reform, compassion, and simplicity. His passing marks the end of an era. Nevertheless, his influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the Catholic Church for years to come.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.” – Cardinal Kevin Farrell
