By Ayomide Otitoju
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday, just one day after he made a surprise appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the solemn news via a statement shared on the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the statement read. “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
The Pope’s passing comes after a prolonged illness. Earlier this year, he had two near-death experiences due to pneumonia but managed to appear on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday, much to the joy of the faithful.
During his final public blessing, the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World), Pope Francis delivered a message of hope, calling for freedom of thought and religious tolerance.
His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, which he led with humility, reform-minded leadership, and a focus on compassion and inclusivity.
