In Memoriam: Pope Francis Passes Away at 88

The Passing of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has died at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Holy See have announced. The Pontiff, who had been recovering from pneumonia, surprised the faithful who had gathered at St Peter's Square yesterday for the Easter Sunday service as he appeared on the loggia balcony over the entrance to St Peter's Basilica and offered a blessing to those who had gathered before taking a trip around the piazza.

Last Audience and Final Moments

Pope Francis also held an Easter Sunday audience with US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, where the pair exchanged Easter greetings. This came weeks after King Charles III and Queen Camilla held a private meeting with the Pope while in Italy to mark their 20th wedding anniversary. In a statement announcing his death, His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and 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."

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