Heartfelt tributes are being paid to Pope Francis, who sadly passed away on Easter Monday, after spending his life “dedicated to the service to the Church.”
The Vatican confirmed the 88-year-old passed away at around 7.30am this morning. Cardinal Ferrell revealed the sad news at the Casa Santa Marta, close to St Peter’s Basilica. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, 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 favour 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.”
He had suffered health issues for several months after being admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis on February 14. As a result of his hospitalisation, the pontiff’s events were subsequently cancelled. Since he was taken to the hospital, the Vatican released regular updates on his condition and today’s announcement came hours after the Pope blessed Easter crowds on Sunday from the pope mobile.
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Pope Francis has died aged 88 after having suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis.
The Vatican today confirmed the Argentine pontiff died following his treatment for bronchitis at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
The Holy See’s announcement comes after a spokesperson said his respiratory tract infection had sparked a “complex clinical picture” that would require further hospital treatment.
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Pope Francis suffered from several health complaints but remained vocal on the issues that defined his papacy, even as his body failed him.
The leader of the Catholic Church, who is remembered for his more tolerant approach to religion, has passed away at the age of 88 after having suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis.
The Vatican has confirmed the Argentine pontiff, whose 12-year papacy began in March 2013, died two months after his treatment for bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Read more here
Tributes are pouring in from around the world following the sad death of Pope Francis.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof says “Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people.”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Pope Francis was a “great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney describes him as “a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation.”
Beloved Pope Francis has died after spending his entire life “dedicated to the service to the Church”, the Vatican has confirmed.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news the Pope passed away at around 7.30am. The 88-year-old has suffered health issues for several months after being admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis on February 14
Read more here.
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