Pope Francis | File Image
Vatican: At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father
By Valentine Amanze
Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is dead. He died on Easter Monday April 21, 2025 at the age of 88.
The pontiff became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.
His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican. He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35am 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.
“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 One and Triune God.”
Also read: Why we oppose Pope Francis on same-sex marriage, by Lagos, Abeokuta Catholic bishops
Francis died on Monday morning, the Vatican said, just a day after greeting crowds on Easter Sunday in St Peter’s Square.
The process for choosing a new pope – conclave – generally takes place between 15 and 20 days after the death of a pontiff.
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