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Pope Francis, the largest religious leader of Christians, died on Monday. He was 88 years old and has been continuously ill for some time. Vatican City has confirmed his death.
Pope Francis was suffering from pneumonia for some time. He was admitted to Jameli Hospital in Rome in February 2025. Vatican issued an official statement on social media saying, “Pope Francis died on Easter Mande, on 21 April 2025 at his residence in Kasa Santa Marta, Vatican.”
In a statement issued by the Vatican on the Telegram channel, Cardinal Kevin Fareel said, “Today at 7:35 am (Indian time- 11:05 pm), Rome’s bishop Francis returned to the supreme father’s house.”
Pope Francis was admitted to Jameli Hospital on 14 February 2025 after bronchitis, which later turned into double pneumonia. Describing his situation as complex, the Vatican had said that 88 -year -old Pope was facing difficulty in breathing and other health problems.
A part of his lungs was removed at an early age. His condition improved in March 2025, and on 23 March he was discharged from the hospital. However, now this news of his death is like a big shock for Christians around the world.
Francis was the first non-European Pope
George Mario Begolio, ie Pope Francis, who became the Pope in 2013, was born on 17 December 1936. He was the first non-European and Jesuit Pope to become the greatest religious leader of Catholic Christians. He raised his voice for his simplicity, environmental protection, and social justice. His ‘Loudato C’ Encyclicals inspired global discussion on climate change. He emphasized the rights of migrants, poverty eradication, and religious tolerance.
However, his reformist perspective also created a dispute between orthodox Catholics. His statement on homosexual relations and reforms on Vatican’s financial transparency sparked debate within the church. Nevertheless, his humanitarian image honored him globally.
Now the new pope will be selected
With the demise of Pope Francis, the Vatican will now prepare for the conclave, in which cardinals below 80 years will select the new pope. Francis appointed 21 new cardinals during his tenure, most of which share their progressive approach. The date for the conclave is expected to be announced soon, and till then the Cardinal Kevin Fareel, the Camelango of the Vatican, will handle the interim administration.
Pope Francis died at a time when the world is struggling with many crises- Russia-Ukraine War, Tension in Middle East, and Climate Change. His appeals for peace and sympathy to migrants were inspiration for global leaders.
Doctors advised him to rest, but despite this Pope Francis appeared publicly in the prayer of Easter Sunday. This was the first time after a long illness, when he came to the world. The 88 -year -old Pope greeted a crowd of 35,000 people gathered at St. Peters Square, and blessed.
During this time, Archbishop Diego Raveli read his message, in which the Pope appealed for peace in struggling areas like Gaza, Ukraine, Congo and Myanmar. It said, ‘I appeal to the warning parties: Announce the ceasefire, release the hostages and come forward to help the people who are starving, who aspire for a peaceful future.’
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