According to a Vatican statement, Pope Francis, the esteemed head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 after suffering complications from heart failure and a stroke.

A day after leading Easter celebrations and giving his final public blessing, the pope died quietly at his home in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

Following a stroke that resulted in deadly cardiac complications, the Pope fell into a coma, according to a statement released by the Vatican.

After spending 38 days in the hospital earlier this year, the Holy Father had also been struggling with pneumonia and other persistent health problems.

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Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, made the sombre announcement:

“With a heavy heart, I announce the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. His life was one of tireless service, compassion, and faithfulness to the Gospel.”

However, In keeping with his modest demeanour, Pope Francis asked for a simple funeral.

Prior to his funeral, which is set for Wednesday, April 23, his body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. The rites will prioritise spiritual devotion over ceremonial splendour, according to Vatican authorities.

The Pope’s departure is being lamented by world leaders and people on many continents.

However, Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, praised him as a voice for the underprivileged and called his passing “a sacred return to his maker.”

When they met over Easter, U.S. Vice President JD Vance lamented the Pope’s deteriorating health.

His worldwide legacy of peace, justice, and compassion was celebrated by leaders from France, Israel, Spain, Iran, India, and other countries.

For every year of the Pope’s life, the bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris tolled 88 times.

The Church has entered the “sede vacante” period, which denotes the vacant seat of the papacy, following the death of Pope Francis.

Soon, the secret conclave to choose a new Pope will bring together the eligible cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.

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Among the leading candidates are:

• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
• Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA), among others.

Pope Francis’ nearly 12-year papacy was defined by simplicity, reform, interfaith outreach, and unwavering support for marginalized communities.

However, his death leaves a deep void in the hearts of millions worldwide.