Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday at 88

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

The pontiff’s death shocked millions around the world who knew him for his commitment to social justice, peace, and the most vulnerable.

In his final message, read by an aide, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of freedom of religion, thought, and expression for peace. He also expressed his closeness to the suffering people in Gaza, Israel, and Ukraine, calling for a ceasefire and aid to those in need.

“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression,” the message read.

“What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”

World leaders have paid tribute to the late Pope, with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez saying, “His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “a great man” who “asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction.”

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, acting head of the Church of England, remembered Pope Francis as a “holy man of God” who was “also very human.”

“Francis showed us how to follow Jesus and encouraged us to go and do likewise,” he said.

Pope Francis will be remembered for his reforms to the Catholic Church and his dedication to the poor and marginalized. He opted for a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc and will be buried in the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of four major papal basilicas in Rome.

BBC