Pope Francis Dead on Easter Monday
The Vatican announced Pope Francis died today at 7:35 a.m. He was 88 years old.
Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His church. He taught us to live the values of the gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.
—Kevil Farrell, cardinal and camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber
What happened? In February, Francis was hospitalized with double pneumonia. Although recently discharged, he stated during his time in care that he suspected this could be the illness to claim him.
Since having part of a lung removed as a young man, Francis had been susceptible to lung problems.
The world reacts:
I send my deepest condolences to the Christian world and especially the Christian communities in Israel—the Holy Land—on the loss of their great spiritual father, his holiness Pope Francis. A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world. He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect.
—Isaac Herzog, president of Israel
The death of Pope Francis fills me with great sadness. Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God’s mercy guided him in this. In doing so, the first Latin American to sit on the Holy See touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries. My thoughts at this time are with the faithful around the world who have lost their holy father. May he rest in peace.
—Friedrich Merz, chancellor-designate of Germany
Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor [has] left us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering. In the meditations of the Via Crucis, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable. And he asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that “does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects.” We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good, and build a more just and equitable society. 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.
—Giorgia Meloni, prime minister of Italy
What next? Francis’s body will lie in Saint Peter’s Basilica for the faithful to pay their respects.
Within 15 to 20 days, the elector cardinals from all over the world will gather for a conclave in Vatican City. The cardinals will vote on the next pope, with up to four votes a day, in the Sistine Chapel. The candidate who receives two thirds of the cardinals’ votes will become the next pope.
Watch the papal election: The Bible prophesies of a rising superpower in Europe ridden by a woman, a symbol of a church (Revelation 17). This church will be headed by a powerful leader.
Pope Francis played a major role in developing this coming European empire. “However,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote in our latest Trumpet issue, “I believe the changing time we live in will require a different pope. Pope Francis doesn’t quite fit the picture.”
The next pope could well be the Vatican’s coming strongman.
Learn more: Read Mr. Flurry’s article “A New Era Requires a New Pope.” Also read “Who Will Be Next?” to learn about two promising candidates.
