Pope Francis Passes Away: A Moment of Mourning
It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This was announced by Reuters, citing an official statement from the Vatican.
He was 88 years old and had recently suffered from severe bilateral pneumonia.
«Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,» – Reuters quotes Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Vatican channel.
«This morning at 7:35, Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the Father’s house,» noted the cardinal.
Thus, as highlighted by Reuters, an often controversial papacy comes to an end, marked by division and tension as Francis sought to reform one of the world’s largest religious organizations.
Earlier, Ukrinform reported that the 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to a severe respiratory infection on February 14.
Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, he was later found to have bilateral pneumonia.
He spent several weeks in the hospital. This deterioration in his health was the most serious he faced in 12 years of pontificate.
The Holy See had only a few public appearances after he left the hospital on March 23 and returned to the Vatican. He missed the solemn services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
On Sunday, April 20, the Pope had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.
Additionally, on Easter Sunday, the pontiff appeared before the public to bless thousands gathered for Mass in St. Peter’s Square.