The World Mourns

 Anna Matranga Rome — Pope Francis, who challenged deeply rooted norms and made it his mission to change the perception of the Catholic Church around the world, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican said Pope Francis died just after 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, a day after he surprised many by appearing at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Easter Sunday to greet well-wishers.

The Vatican said in a statement later Monday that Francis died of a stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, formally announced the pope’s death with a statement saying: “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.” 

Tributes praising his leadership and devotion quickly began to pour in from around the world.

Pope Francis had experienced a number of health issues in recent years, including two abdominal surgeries and several serious respiratory infections. He spent five weeks in the hospital in February and March 2025 with bronchitis that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. He marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy from his hospital room.