FEATURED
How Pope Francis Died – Vatican Reveals
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday morning.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in an official statement released via the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
Pope Francis’s death came just a day after he made an emotional appearance at Saint Peter’s Square during the Easter Sunday celebrations. Despite still convalescing from a prolonged illness, he stood before thousands of worshippers, offering blessings and delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) message, in which he called for freedom of thought and greater tolerance across the world.
“Earlier in the year, Pope Francis had suffered a severe bout of pneumonia, a health crisis that brought him close to death on two separate occasions. He was hospitalized for 38 days and was only discharged on March 23, after an extended period of recovery and medical care.
“His final public appearance on Easter Sunday was seen as a moment of hope, as the frail pontiff smiled and waved to the crowds, wishing them a “Happy Easter” and reaffirming the Church’s message of peace and compassion.
“Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his focus on humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities.
“As news of his death spread, tributes from around the world began pouring in, reflecting the profound impact of his leadership on Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The Vatican said further details about funeral arrangements would be announced in due course”.
Tinubu Receives Re-Elected Adeleke at Aso Rock, First Meeting Since Osun Victory
Oil Resumption: MOSOP Assures Ogoni People of a Good Deal, Announces Minor Cabinet Changes
Tinubu Assigns Famadewa to Lead Service Chiefs, Ribadu for 5-Year National Security Threat Assessment, Defence Strategy Development
2027: Extend Your Love For Me To President Tinubu, Oborevwori Tells Religious Leaders
Oborevwori Sets to Inaugurate Perm Secretaries Quarters Today
Omo-Agege Warns Delta Gov: You’ll be Held Responsible If My Family or I Come Under Attack as Campaigns Begin
Nigerian Navy Boosts Maritime Defense as CNS Inaugurates State-of-the-Art SSV-KALI 3 Vessel Built in Delta
Osogbo Shooting — Police Confirm 60-Year-Old Man Dead, Vows to Arrest Suspects
Tinubu Appoints Enitan as New Head of Civil Service as Walson-Jack Bows Out
Onaiyakan Breaks Silence Over Presidency’s Diatribe, Declares ‘I Am Unshaken, Fear No One’
BREAKING: Governor Adeleke ‘Escapes Death’ as Gunmen Attack Convoy in Osogbo
UNICEF Demands Urgent Release of 78 Abducted Borno Schoolchildren
FCT Police Arrest 40 Over Traffic Robbery, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery
‘No Ban On Nigerians’ — South Africa Dismisses Visa Stoppage Rumours