POPE FRANCIS DIES
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died. He was 88.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced his death on Monday morning.
“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
The statement continued, saying: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Even though the pontiff was in the hospital for several weeks due to ill health, the news of his death came as a shock to many, as he made a high-profile public appearance on Sunday.
The Pope gave the traditional Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony with thousands of onlookers.
Just hours before his public appearance, he held a brief meeting with the United States Vice President JD Vance.
Farrell also praised Frances for his work to help the poor.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
The statement concluded with the following: “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 Triune God.”
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