Pope Francis has died

The news of his death was announced by the papal chamberlain, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. "Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," the text stated.

Worldwide Mourning for Deceased Pope Francis

"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 for the benefit of the poorest and marginalized. In great 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 triune God," said Cardinal Farrell about the deceased head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The announcement of Pope Francis's death by Farrell took place in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. Standing beside him were Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Deputy Substitute Edgar Pena Parra, and Master of Ceremonies Bishop Diego Ravelli, the Vatican reported.

Mass for Pope Planned in Lateran Basilica

"We mourn the witness of the Gospel, the merciful shepherd, the prophet of peace," declared the Cardinal Vicar for the Diocese of Rome, Baldo Reina. He will preside over a mass for the passing of the Pontiff at 7:00 PM in the Lateran Basilica, to which the priests, deacons, and all the faithful of the Diocese of Rome are invited. The Lateran Basilica is the second largest church in Rome after St. Peter's Basilica.

A few hours after the death of Pope Francis, the church bells rang in St. Peter's Basilica. For many centuries, the ringing of the bells has been the official sign informing Catholic believers of the loss of their church leader. The ringing is a symbolic act expressing mourning and calling the faithful to prayer.

Canonization of "Cyber Apostle" Suspended

Meanwhile, the canonization planned for the coming Sunday of the Italian youth Carlo Acutis, known as the "Cyber Apostle," has been suspended. The Vatican announced this. The teenager, who died of leukemia in 2006 and was an internet enthusiast, was to become the first saint from the Millennial generation at the ceremony. Acutis helped priests set up websites for their parishes during his lifetime. Tens of thousands of pilgrims were expected at the Vatican for the canonization.

The Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected in March 2013 as the successor to the German-born, retired Pope Benedict XVI. A new head of the Roman Catholic Church must now be chosen by the eligible cardinals in the conclave, that is, behind closed doors. A cardinal from Austria will not participate this time: The emeritus Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, exceeded the age limit of 80 years in January.

State Mourning in Argentina

In the homeland of Pope Francis, a seven-day state mourning was declared after the news of his death in the early hours of Easter Monday (local time). According to Kathpress, it was ordered by President Javier Milei, who bid farewell to Francis "as President, as an Argentine, and above all as a believer" and felt connected to all "who are affected by this sad news today." The ultra-liberal Milei also highlighted differences with his compatriot in his tribute, "which seem secondary today."

Mourning and Dismay in Austria and Worldwide

As a sign of mourning over the death of Pope Francis, bells will ring for ten minutes across Austria at 5:00 PM on this Easter Monday. Churches and church buildings will also be draped in black. In St. Stephen's Cathedral, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn will lead a small requiem for the deceased Pope at 6:00 PM.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen praised the Pope as an "inspiration for millions of believers and far beyond" as well as a "guide of hope." Francis was a "Pope for social justice" and "very close to the people." For Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), the death of Francis is "a painful loss for the Catholic Church and for many people around the globe."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed herself deeply shaken. "This news saddens us deeply because we lose a great man and a great pastor. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, and his teachings, which never failed even in times of trial and suffering," said Meloni. "We will follow Francis' path, seek the path of peace, pursue the common good, and build a more just and balanced society. His teaching and legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness, but we know that he now rests in the peace of the Lord."

The Maltese President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, stated on social media that she mourns Francis. "Europe mourns His Holiness Pope Francis. His infectious smile has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world," she declared. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reacted with great sorrow. "With his humility and sincere love for the less fortunate, he inspired millions, far beyond the boundaries of the Catholic Church," von der Leyen wrote on the platform X. "My thoughts are with all who feel this deep loss. May the thought bring them comfort that the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to guide us all towards a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world."

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May this hope continue to revive beyond him." The designated German Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz also expressed dismay over the death of the 88-year-old Pope. The bells of Notre Dame in Paris rang 88 times in remembrance. The Eiffel Tower is to remain unlit at night as an exception, reported the broadcaster BFM TV, citing the Paris city administration.

Polish President Andrzej Duda described Francis as a "great apostle of mercy." In him, he saw the answers to the challenges of the modern world, Duda explained on the platform X. In his pastoral care, Francis was guided by humility and simplicity.

The White House initially responded with a brief message on X: "Rest in peace, Pope Francis."

Argentine Followed German Pope Benedict

In contrast to Benedict, Francis was considered a reformer. He demonstratively renounced the pomp and privileges of the papacy. Upon taking office, he rejected the traditional crimson, fur-trimmed "Mozzetta." The luxurious red "shoes of the fisherman" also remained in the box.

The Pope wanted to open the Church to more believers and called for more welcome to be extended to homosexuals. Nevertheless, in 2021, the Vatican prohibited priests from blessing same-sex marriages. In 2020, Francis refused to ordain some married men in remote areas.

On the other hand, Francis appointed more women to leadership positions in the Vatican than any of his predecessors. He initiated the Catholic Church's dialogue with Islam by being the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula. Under his supervision, a reformed Vatican constitution also allowed any baptized lay Catholic, including women, to lead most departments in the central administration of the Catholic Church.

Conservative Opponents

He implemented many changes against the resistance of the conservative wing in the church hierarchy. Some indications suggest that the church might maintain his course after his death: Francis appointed about 80 percent of the cardinals who will now elect the next pope.

Francis also took action against sexual abuse by clergy. In 2019, he convened nearly 200 church leaders for a summit and enforced a decree that made bishops directly responsible for sexual abuse or its cover-up. He also abolished the "pontifical secret" for abuse cases.

Francis was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires. After training as a chemical technician, the member of the well-known football club San Lorenzo chose the priesthood and was ordained in 1969. Just four years later, in 1973, he was elected Provincial of the Jesuit Order for Argentina. This period coincided with the military dictatorship during which around 30,000 people were abducted and murdered. In his homeland, there was an accusation that Bergoglio, as Jesuit Provincial during the military dictatorship, did not provide sufficient support to fellow members of the order. In an interview with Reuters in 2018, Francis said he did not miss Argentina: "I only miss the street. I am a 'callejero' (a man of the street)."

Simplicity Instead of Pomp

In an interview with Reuters in 2018, Francis said he did not miss Argentina: "I only miss the street. I am a 'callejero' (a man of the street)." Francis was the first church leader from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope in history. He showed an effort to fill the role with simplicity. He never took possession of the opulent papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. He preferred to live in community for his "mental health."

Throughout his pontificate, he also faced harsh criticism from conservatives who accused him of destroying cherished traditions. He also drew the ire of progressives who accused him of not doing enough to reshape the 2000-year-old church.

On his numerous foreign trips, Francis, as the first church leader from Latin America, attracted huge crowds. He had recently overcome a double pneumonia. When the native Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, it came as a surprise to many church experts who had seen the cleric known for his concern for the poor as an outsider.

(APA/Red)

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