Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, a senior Vatican official has said.
Latin America's first pope has charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, but alienated conservatives with his criticism of capitalism and climate change.
Following the announcement, which was read by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican's camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived, bells began to ring in church towers across Rome.
“Today at 7.35 a.m., Bishop Francis of Rome returned to the Father's house. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church,” he said.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially towards the poorest and most disadvantaged.
“With great gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, the One and the Tribunal.”
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of a lung removed in his youth, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
He spent 38 days there, the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.
However, on Easter Sunday – the day before his death – he appeared to bless thousands of people in St. Peter's Square and give them a surprise ride around the square in the Popemobile, drawing thunderous applause and cheers.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof paid tribute to Francis, saying the Pope “was in every way a man of the people.”
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognized and brought to light the pressing issues of our time. Through his sober lifestyle, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”
Israel's largely ceremonial president has offered condolences to Christians after the death of the Pope, calling him a man of “deep faith and boundless compassion.”
In a post on the X website, Isaac Herzog said the Pope had helped strengthen ties with Jews and promote interfaith dialogue.
“I sincerely hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and the safe return of the hostages will soon be answered,” he wrote, referring to the pope's repeated calls for an end to the war and the release of prisoners held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Francis has repeatedly criticized Israel's actions during the war and said accusations of genocide, which Israel vehemently denies, must be investigated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remembered Francis as a source of inspiration for the whole world, not just Christians.
“Today the world mourns the death of Pope Francis,” she wrote in X.
“He inspired millions of people far beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and pure love for the disadvantaged.
“My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Pope Francis' legacy will continue to lead us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country is home to some 30 million Christians, or 2.3% of the population, said Pope Francis would always be remembered “as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage for millions of people around the world.”
“From his youth, he dedicated himself to the embodiment of the ideals of the Lord Christ. He served the poor and oppressed with zeal. For those who suffered, he kindled a spirit of hope,” he said.
The Indian leader posted a photo with the Pope and said he was “deeply inspired by his commitment to inclusive and comprehensive development.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the news of Francis' death “deeply saddens us as we bid farewell to a great man and a great shepherd.”
“I have been fortunate to enjoy his friendship, his advice and his guidance, which have never failed me, even in times of trial and suffering,” she said.
She added that “his teaching and legacy will not be lost. We bid farewell to the Holy Father with hearts full of sorrow, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is largely Catholic, offered his condolences in a post on X.
“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope forever outlive him.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
