Breaking: Pope Francis Death Confirmed - Latest Updates & Reactions
Could the death of Pope Francis, a figure who shaped the Catholic Church in unprecedented ways, truly be upon us? While the Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2024, at the age of 88, a swirl of speculation and contradictory information has followed the announcement, painting a complex picture that requires careful examination.
At 9:45 am, a solemn announcement echoed from the Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, delivered the news that would reverberate across the globe: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis." This marked the official confirmation of the end of an era, a pontificate marked by both profound reforms and enduring controversies.
At 7:35 that Monday morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, "returned to the house of the Father," as the Vatican communiqu stated. Pope Francis, a leader known for his humility and his dedication to reaching out to people from all walks of life, had passed away.
The official cause of death, as announced by the Vatican, was a stroke and heart failure. The death occurred on Easter Monday. The news arrived in the wake of Pope Francis's declining health and multiple hospitalizations, including a severe respiratory tract infection that led to his admission to Romes Gemelli University Hospital.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, had served as the head of the Catholic Church since his election on March 13, 2013. His papacy, a decade-long tenure, was distinguished by his efforts to modernize the Church, his advocacy for the poor, and his attempts to bridge divides within the Catholic community and beyond. He was the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office.
However, the confirmation of his death came against a backdrop of conflicting reports and rumors. Social media and various online platforms had been buzzing with speculation, including claims that the Pope had died as early as February. Some of these claims were later debunked, underscoring the need to rely on verified sources for accurate information. Yet, the proliferation of such claims reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding the Pope's health and the uncertainty it created.
Here is a bio data and personal information, career, professional information of Pope Francis:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, Vatican City |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic |
| Orders | Jesuit |
| Pope of the Catholic Church | Elected March 13, 2013 |
| Previous Positions |
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| Notable Achievements |
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| Significant Actions |
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| Reference Website | Vatican Website (Official) |
The Pope's last public appearance was on Easter Sunday at St. Peter's Square. Vice President J.D. Vance had met with him on Sunday. This added a poignant note to the days leading up to the announcement.
Pope Francis was Latin Americas first pontiff. The reports stated that he died at the age of 88 after a cerebral stroke.
Pope Francis, who emphasized humility over hubris, addressed a Catholic Church beset with scandal.
The Vatican's statement highlighted the end of an era. Pope Francis's pontificate, marked by efforts to reform the Church and bring it closer to the modern world, came to an end on Monday. The announcement came at 9:45 am with the words, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our holy father Francis."
The final confirmation came at 7:35 a.m. Vatican time, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
The impact of his death is already being felt. The College of Cardinals will convene to elect a new pope, a process steeped in tradition and secrecy. The conclave, typically held in the Sistine Chapel, will determine the future direction of the Catholic Church.
The Pope's death occurred just after 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, a day after he surprised many by appearing at St. Peter's Square. This was a clear example of the dedication he had.
The Pope's will to be buried in the basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, specifically, in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (chapel of the salus populi romani) and the Sforza chapel of the basilica, making him the first pope to be interred outside the vatican since pope leo xiii in 1903.
If buried in santa maria maggiore, pope francis would be the first pope in a century to be buried outside the vatican.
