Pope Francis passed away this Monday at the age of 88, according to an official statement released by the Vatican through its Telegram channel. The pontiff's death occurred just one day after his last public appearance, when he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to deliver his Easter message to a crowd gathered in the square.
"Dear brothers and sisters, with great sorrow I must announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis," expressed Cardinal Kevin Farrell while reading the Vatican's official announcement. "This morning, at 7:35 (05:35 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, departed to the Father's house. His life was fully devoted to the service of God and the Church."
The pope had recently been discharged after spending more than a month hospitalized due to a severe pneumonia that kept him in the hospital for 38 days. His health, according to Vatican sources, had been a cause for concern in recent months, facing at least two serious episodes that left him in a delicate condition.
Despite his frail physical state, on Sunday he briefly participated in the Easter celebration, presiding over part of the mass and giving the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the main balcony of the Vatican temple. There, he addressed words of hope to the world, wished a "happy Easter," and advocated for "freedom of thought and tolerance" in his last public speech.
The pontiff's appearance was met with an ovation from the thousands of faithful present, who had gathered moved by the uncertainty surrounding his health. Although visibly weakened, his presence was interpreted as a demonstration of spiritual determination and commitment to his pastoral mission until the end.
