Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, has died at 88, the Vatican has announced.
The pope’s death was announced on Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo.
“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” a statement from the camerlengo said.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Farrell continued, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
“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 Triune God,” the statement concluded.
Pope’s advocacy for migrants
Pope Francis gave the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s, although an aide read out the Urbi et Orbi on his behalf. He also rode the popemobile through the crowds gathered at the square, stopping several times to bless babies handed to him.
Vance said on X on Monday that he was happy to have seen the pope “though he was obviously very ill.”
“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance said.
The pope’s tireless advocacy for migrants saw him sharply criticise US President Donald Trump’s immigration deportation policies in the months before his death.
Francis, whose pontificate was a counterweight to the rise of nationalist populism, often found himself under fire from powerful conservative Catholic forces in the US.
