Pope Francis has passed on aged 88 years on Easter Monday morning.
His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell
The Holy See’s last public appearance was yesterday during the Easter Urbi et Orbi, where he blessed thousands of people at St.Peter’s Vatican Square and toured the piazza with his Popemobile.
“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” he said while reading the announcement at the chapel of Domus Santa Marta, where Pope Francis resided.
Cardinal Farrell recalled that His Holiness always taught Gospel values of living with faithfulness, courage and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“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 Tribune,” he remarked while flanked by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Archbishop Edgar Penna Para, and Archbishop Diego Ravelli.
Pope Francis has been battling ill health in recent years.
On February 14, he was hospitalised at Gemelli Hospital for respiratory problems, which developed into double pneumonia,ia, where he stayed for 38 days.
In his 12-year papacy, the first Argentine Pope to head the two-thousand-year-old Church preached on several topics.
But, his constant messages on Mercy and Peace stood out.
“God’s mercy is our liberation and our happiness. We live for mercy,” he said in his numerous sermons.
The world, he stressed, cannot afford to be without mercy.
“It is the air that we breathe. We are too poor to set any conditions. We need to forgive because we need to be forgiven.”
On Sunday, the 266th Pope boldly called on warring world leaders to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue for lasting Peace, unity, and justice.
Tributes
As tributes continue to pour in, President William Ruto remembered him for his strong ethical and moral convictions that inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.
“He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable,” he said in his official Facebook account.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o remembered that His Holiness was a beacon of humility, compassion, and love he shared with all humanity.
“His passing marks the end of an era of spiritual leadership that touched countless lives. Here in Kisumu, we join the global community in mourning a Pontiff who gave hope to the poor, and a voice to the marginalized.”
According to the Vatican, Cardinal Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church will preside at the rite of ascertainment of the Holy See’s demise and placement of his body in the coffin on Monday evening (8pm Roman time).
Family members of the late Pope Francis, Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dr Andrea Arcangelli and Dr Luigi Carbone, who are the Director and Deputy Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, respectively.
The rite will take place at the Chapel of Casa Santa Marta.
