Pope Francis I, the 266th supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 weeks after being hospitalized in February for double pneumonia. He was released from this hospital after 38 days.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense 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 One and Triune God.”
Vice President JD Vance met with the Pope just hours earlier.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance shared on social media. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
