Pope Francis Dies at 88 Years Old
Following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
(SPOT.ph) Pope Francis died today, April 21, at the age of 88. Church officials confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m. local time in Vatican City.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home 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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″
A live view of St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican is currently streaming following the announcement of his death.
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The life of Pope Francis
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936.
He was elected to the papacy in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, he was widely regarded as the most progressive leader the Catholic Church has seen in modern history.
Throughout his 12-year tenure, Pope Francis was known for his emphasis on humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He championed the causes of the marginalized, advocated for environmental stewardship, and sought to modernize the Church's approach to various social issues. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” regarding LGBT+ Catholics showed his commitment to compassion over condemnation. However, his progressive stances often placed him at odds with conservatives within the Church.
Pope Francis faced numerous health challenges in recent years. In February, he was hospitalized with bronchitis, which progressed to bilateral pneumonia. Even during his illness, he continued to engage with the faithful until his final days.
In his final public message that was delivered on Easter Sunday, April 20, he emphasized the enduring power of hope: “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas!”
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