On Easter Monday, at the age of 88, Pope Francis passed away. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the sad news, stating that the Bishop of Rome had returned to the Father’s house at 7:35 a.m. GMT after a life dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church. The first Latin American pontiff had led the Catholic Church for over 12 years.
The Vatican’s press office confirmed that Pope Francis died of a stroke, followed by a coma and heart failure. He had also experienced acute respiratory failure, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes. Cardinal Farrell made the announcement two hours after the pope’s passing, revealing that Francis had returned to Domus Santa Marta to recover after a hospitalization for double pneumonia in February.
In the weeks to come, Farrell will oversee the administration of the Holy See until a new pope is chosen. Despite battling various health issues, including a severe respiratory infection, pneumonia, and kidney failure, the pope’s condition stabilized after a critical period in the hospital. He continued his recovery at his residence, making public appearances with a weak voice to remind others of his frailty.
In his final days, Pope Francis met with King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom and visited inmates at Regina Coeli prison. He also received US Vice President JD Vance at his residence, discussing various issues, including immigration policies. His last diplomatic meeting took place on Easter Sunday, where he delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing to Catholic pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square. During this time, he also condemned the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory caused by Israel’s ongoing war. Dia juga meminta gencatan senjata di Gaza.
Paus Fransiskus menyampaikan pidato kepada kerumunan dari balkon utama Basilika Santo Petrus untuk pesan Urbi et Orbi [File: Andreas Solaro/AFP]
Kemudian, untuk mengejutkan semua orang, dia turun ke Lapangan Santo Petrus, naik melalui kerumunan di dalam Popemobile terbuka – mobil Mercedes-Benz putih ikonik yang digunakan oleh paus untuk menyapa umat.
Saat akhir tur terakhirnya di lapangan, beberapa anak diangkat ke arahnya.
Itu akan menjadi kali terakhir dunia melihatnya hidup. Dia meninggal keesokan paginya.
Paus Fransiskus melambaikan tangan kepada kerumunan dari Popemobile [File: Tiziana Fabi/AFP]