4/21/2025–|Last update: 4/21/202501:00 PM (Mecca time)
The Vatican announced – in a photo statement – today, Monday, the death of Pope Francesco, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, ending a covenant characterized by turmoil, division and tension, in his endeavor to reform the ecclesiastical establishment.
“Dear brothers and sisters, with great sadness and sorrow, the death of His Holiness Pope Francis (Francesco) was announced,” he said, adding that “at 7:35 this morning (local time), the bishop of Rome, Francesco, returned to his father’s house.”
Pope Francesco, Argentine, has reached 88 years old, and he suffered from various diseases during his 12 -year papal period.
Jorge Mario Bergolio was elected on March 13, 2013, which surprised many of the church followers who were considered the Argentine cleric, known for his interest in the poor, in an exbelier.
Pope Francesco sought to give simplicity to his great role, and he did not rent the ornate papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace that his ancestors used, saying that he prefers to live in a societal environment in order to preserve his “psychological health”.
He inherited a church that was being attacked by the sexual assault scandal, torn due to internal conflicts, and was elected with a clear authorization to restore the regime.
But with his progress in his papal, he faced harsh criticism from the conservatives who accused him of destroying the ancient traditions, as well as the anger of the progressive who saw that he had made more efforts to reshape the church.
Pressure
For his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El -Sisi said that the death of the Pope represents a “great loss for the whole world, as it was a voice for peace, love and mercy.”
Al -Sisi offered his condolences, considering that the head of the Catholic Church was “an exceptional global figure, who devoted his life to serving the values of peace and justice, and worked tirelessly to enhance tolerance and understanding between religions, and to build bridges of dialogue between peoples, as he was a supporter of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights, and calling for ending conflicts and achieving a just and permanent peace.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also mourned Pope Francesco, considering that Lebanon lost his departure “a dear friend and a strong advantage.”
I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My Heart Goes Out to the Millions of Christians All Over the World Who Love Him.
I was Happy to See Him Yesterday, Though he was obviously verd Ill. But I’ll ALWAIS Remember Him For the Bellow Home He Gave in the Very Early Days …
– JD Vance (@jdvance) April 21, 2025
“Millions of Christians around the world who loved him.”
“I express my condolences to millions of Christians around the world who loved him. I was pleased with his vision yesterday (Sunday), although he was very ill,” wrote Vans, who visited India in a post on the X platform.
In turn, Italian Prime Minister Georgeta Meloni said that the death of the Pope is very sad due to the departure of “a great man and a great shepherd.”
“I had the honor that I had his friendship and listened to his advice and teachings that never stopped even in times of ordeal and suffering,” she added in a statement.
