Pope Francis Dies: Eiffel Tower To Go Dark; World Leaders Mourn Passing Away Of ‘Beacon Of Hope’.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years, died on Easter Monday, aged 88. His papacy, which began in 2013, was distinguished by its emphasis on mercy, inclusivity, and environmental concerns. World leaders are grieving the death of a figure who advocated for justice and compassion, as the Vatican prepares to elect a new pope. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at 7:35 a.m., the Vatican announced. He was 88. The revelation was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo in charge of 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 stated in a sad statement. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European Pope in more than 1,200 years. His decade-long pontificate was distinguished by a focus on mercy, inclusiveness, humility, and a strong concern for the environment and the marginalised. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised,” she said.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,” claimed Farrell. During his pontificate, Pope Francis implemented important Vatican reforms, including initiatives to improve financial transparency and combat clerical abuse. He also advocated for environmental causes, most notably in his encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for worldwide action on climate change.

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