The world’s first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis, has passed away.
The Vatican announced today that the Pope died at 7:35 this morning.
At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:
“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,…
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Francis became the first Jesuit to be elected pope and had a reputation as an outspoken figure, often speaking out on humanitarian issues such as war and climate change.
He also took measures to address the history of abuse within the Roman Catholic Church and hold bishops accountable for cover-ups.
Just yesterday, he made a brief appearance during Easter Sunday mass, waving from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Francis had faced several health issues in recent months, including a lengthy hospital stay earlier this year for pneumonia and kidney failure.
Pope Francis was 88.
My thoughts are with the Catholic community in Newfoundland and Labrador today as they mourn the passing of Pope Francis. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church was recognized worldwide as a man of healing and I hope people find comfort in that in the days ahead. pic.twitter.com/3sSIN7xkIN
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) April 21, 2025
