Vatican Releases Full Statement on Pope Francis Passing Away

Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has passed away at 88 years old. Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news on April 21, and the Vatican has released an official statement on their leader's passing.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Farrell announced in a statement. "At 7:35 this morning, 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."

The statement continued, "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."

On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis made an appearance at St. Peter's square and briefly spoke with the public, so followers were especially surprised at his passing.

Ilaria Toselli gathered at. St Peter’s square to mourn after the news of his death.

“We feel a little lost a little destabilized,” she told the New York Times. "He was the pope of the last ones, of the poor and he was loved by the faithful and the non-faithful."

"He was one of us, one of the people," Maria Teresa Volpi told the New York Times. "He was everyone's pope."

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with the pope on April 21. He took to social media to pay his respects.

"I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him," he stated on X. "I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul."

Related: Pope Francis Approves a First for the Catholic Church