By GhanaNewsPage The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
His death was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence in the Vatican.
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“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell stated. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
A Papacy Marked by Compassion and Reform
BornC in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Elected in 2013, his 12-year papacy was characterized by a commitment to humility, social justice, and inclusivity.
He championed the marginalized, advocated for the environment, and sought to reform the Church’s bureaucracy. His approach emphasized mercy over strict doctrine, resonating with many around the globe.
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Health Challenges and Final Days
Pope Francis had a history of respiratory issues, having undergone lung surgery in his youth. In February 2025, he was hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital due to bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery but ultimately succumbed to his illness.
Simplified Funeral Rites Reflecting Humility
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved a revised edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book governing papal funerals. The updated rites reflect his desire for simplicity and focus on faith. Key changes include:
- Confirmation of death in the chapel rather than the room of passing.
- Immediate placement of the body into a coffin.
- Use of a single wooden casket with a zinc interior, replacing the traditional triple-coffin.
- Burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, honoring his devotion to the Virgin Mary, instead of the customary Vatican grounds.
The Path Ahead: Mourning and Succession
With the Pope’s passing, the Church enters a period known as “sede vacante”, during which the Camerlengo oversees daily operations. The novemdiales, nine days of mourning, will follow, culminating in the funeral Mass. Subsequently, a conclave of cardinals under the age of 80 will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope.
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As the faithful around the world reflect on Pope Francis’s legacy, his teachings on compassion, humility, and service continue to inspire.
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