Daijiworld Media Network - Vatican City

Vatican City, Apr 21: Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and a transformative figure in the modern Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.

A statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell via the Vatican's official Telegram channel confirmed the news, saying, "This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father."

The Argentine-born Pope had led the Catholic Church for over 12 years, during which he became known for his progressive views on climate change, poverty, interfaith dialogue, and inclusivity within the Church. His papacy was also marked by frequent health challenges in his later years.

Just a day earlier, during his Easter Sunday appearance, Pope Francis made a passionate call for religious freedom, tolerance, and peace. Addressing a crowd of more than 35,000 from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, he offered his Easter greetings before delegating the reading of the traditional Urbi et Orbi ("To the City and the World") blessing to an aide.

In the message, he stressed the importance of freedom of religion, thought, and expression, calling them essential for global peace. He also raised concerns over rising anti-Semitism and expressed sorrow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as "dramatic and deplorable."

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European to hold the papacy in over 1,200 years. His leadership saw a renewed focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalised.

'Pope Francis had requested for simplified funeral rites'

Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, had requested that his funeral rites be simple and rooted in faith, Vatican News reported.

The late pontiff, known for his humility and pastoral approach, had approved a revised edition of the liturgical text Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis in April 2024, which outlines simplified rites focused on affirming the Church’s belief in the Resurrection.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, stated that the renewed rite is intended to highlight the Pope's identity as a “pastor and disciple of Christ, rather than a worldly figure of power.”

One of the notable changes in the new edition is that the confirmation of the Pope’s death takes place in the chapel instead of the room where he died. His remains are then immediately placed into the coffin.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, formally announced the Pope’s death at 9:45 am local time on Monday. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” he said in his statement. “His life was wholly dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and love — especially for the poor and the marginalized.”

Pope Francis had been battling respiratory illnesses in recent months. He was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis and was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. After spending 38 days in hospital, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis had a portion of his lung removed in his early 20s due to a severe infection. In his later years, he frequently experienced respiratory complications and had cancelled international trips, including a visit to the UAE in November 2023, owing to influenza and lung inflammation.

Further details on the funeral arrangements and tributes from world leaders and religious communities are expected to follow.