Global Tributes As Pope Francis Dies At 88
Leaders across the world have paid great tributes to the times and mermories of the Head of the Catholic and Vatican City, Pope Francis as he died at the age of 88.
Pope Francis, a dynamic reformer who garnered significant devotion from Catholics while also provoking traditionalists, passed away on Monday.
The Argentine pontiff, who had led the Catholic Church since March 2013, was hospitalized for 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to double pneumonia before appearing to recover and being discharged on March 23.
His passing occurred just one day after he captivated the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican during Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” stated Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a message released by the Vatican on its Telegram channel. “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was devoted to serving the Lord and His church.”
His death initiates long-standing traditions that will lead to a conclave of cardinals convening to select a successor.
In the interim, the daily operations of the small Vatican City state will be overseen by the camerlengo, a senior cardinal, currently Kevin Farrell, who hails from Dublin.
