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His Holiness Pope Francis
December 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died.
The Vatican announced the pope’s death at 9:45 AM on April 21, 2025 in a statement translated into several languages.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. 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 the One and Triune God.” – Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
Pope Francis served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a line of succession dating back to Saint Peter. He was elected to the papacy in March 2013 after the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first pope to be named Francis and chose this papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Born in Argentina, Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis) was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. He championed many causes during his pontificate, and took special care to draw attention to the marginalized of society including the elderly and migrants, as well as care for the environment.
Pope Francis is the author of three encyclicals: Lumen fidei on faith; Laudato si’ on care for our common home, and Fratelli tutti on fraternity and social friendship.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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