POPE FRANCIS DIES AT 88.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church,on Monday , 21, April , 9:45 am , has announced the demise of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta .He confirmed that the first non- European pontiff in nearly 1300 years 'returned to the house of the Father ' at 7:35, aged 88.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 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 of 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."

Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, suffering from a bout of bronchitis .

On Tuesday, February 18 , his situation worsened, and was diagnosed of bilateral pneumonia .

He was subjected to 38 days of treatment and later returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

Pope Francis born, Jorge Mario Bergoglio in his early 20s, 1957, underwent surgery in his native Argentina , where a portion of his lung , that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection was removed.

As Pope Francis aged, he constantly suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, this even caused him to cancel his United Arab Emirates tour in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, also confirmed that the late had requested that the funeral rites should be simple and focus on illustrating his servant hood to Christ rather than an expression of power.

“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican's press chief, has told the press that Pope's body could be moved to the Vatican Basilica by Wednesday.

"The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning, April 23 2025, according to the modalities that will be established and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of Cardinals."

The world and the leaders have joined in tributing Pope Francis as a charismatic fellow who worked on serving the human race
Meanwhile, Argentina, his home land has reserved seven days to honour and mourn their son, who went out to serve the world.

Barack Obama, former US President has eulogized the Pope as a leader who desired the betterment of the world, while President Trump went; Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him".

Kenyan leaders led by President Ruto have also eulogized The Pope, "We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis," said Ruto.

Moreover, the US vice president , JD Vance got an opportunity to meet with him a day before his death, where he admitted that the Pope wasn't feeling well.

"I know you're feeling unwell, but it's good to see you better. Thank you for meeting me."

On this very day, Sunday, 20, April, the 88-year-old Pope Francis made his first trip to St. Peter's Square in a wheelchair where he greeted tens of thousands of Catholics after an Easter Mass at the Vatican.