Pope Francis Dies Aged 88 After Ten Years as Pontiff

PUKMEDIA

Pope Francis Dies Aged 88

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement this morning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican's Camerlengo, announced that the Bishop of Rome passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM, returning to the "home of the Father" after a lifetime dedicated to the service of the Lord and the Church.

Having served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church for over a decade, Francis was widely recognised for his emphasis on compassion, humility, and social responsibility.

Elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernise the Church and address global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.

In recent months, Pope Francis had been facing ongoing health challenges, including double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Despite making a brief appearance during Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square just yesterday, his condition worsened overnight.

Preparations are now underway for the Sede Vacante period and the upcoming conclave to select his successor.

One of Pope Francis’ most historic actions was his 2021 visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. On 7 March, he became the first pope to visit the country, promoting peace and interfaith dialogue. His trip included meetings with Iraqi leaders, a Mass in Erbil, and visits to Christian communities in Ainkawa and Mosul, offering reassurance to Iraq's dwindling Christian population after years of sectarian violence and ISIS attacks. His meeting with Iraq’s top Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, sent a powerful message of coexistence in a nation deeply affected by division and conflict.



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