Pope Francis dies: Eiffel Tower to go dark; world leaders mourn passing away of ‘beacon of hope’
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday morning at 7:35 am, the Vatican announced. He was 88. The news was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who oversees Church operations during a papal interregnum.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said in a solemn statement. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
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Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His decade-long papacy was marked by his emphasis on mercy, inclusiveness, humility, and a deep concern for the environment and the marginalized.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell added.
Pope Francis had faced ongoing health issues in recent years, including respiratory complications and intestinal surgery. Despite his physical struggles, he continued to lead the Church with a focus on compassion and reform.
“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 God, One and Triune,” Farrell said.
During his tenure, Pope Francis undertook significant reforms within the Vatican, including efforts to address financial transparency and clerical abuse. He also championed environmental causes, most notably through his encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for global action on climate change.
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The Pope’s health had been a concern in recent years. He was hospitalized multiple times for respiratory issues, including a bout of double pneumonia earlier this year. Despite his ailments, he remained active in his duties, often speaking about the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing for it.
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The Vatican is expected to announce funeral arrangements soon. The Catholic Church now enters a period of mourning and sede vacante, during which the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a new pope.
World leaders mourn Pope Francis
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called the news “deeply saddening,” saying, “We are saying goodbye to a great man and a great shepherd.” She remembered her personal relationship with Francis, saying, “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering.”
‘A beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless’
Ireland’s foreign minister Simon Harris called Francis “a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless,” praising his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity. “Pope Francis bore his illness with great dignity and courage,” he said. “As so many people in Ireland and as Christians across the world mourn his loss, we find strength in his message of hope, mercy, and compassion, which will continue to inspire us to build a better world for all.”
‘May this hope forever outlast him’
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a post on X, wrote, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.”
Later, Macron also confirmed that we would be attending Pope’s funeral.
‘A man of the people’
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof remembered Francis as “a man of the people.” adding, “With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many – Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”
“Deep faith and boundless compassion”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the pope’s deep compassion and his efforts to build bridges across faiths. Herzog wrote, expressing hope that the pope’s prayers for peace in the Middle East would be realised.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described Francis as an inspiration for the entire world, saying, “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
In India, US Vice President JD Vance, who had met the pope just a day before his death, shared his grief. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he wrote, calling attention to a homily Francis delivered during the early days of the COVID pandemic that had left a lasting impression on him.
