Pope Francis Dies a Day After Delivering Easter Message

The Catholic Church and millions around the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88 — just a day after delivering his final Easter address from Saint Peter’s Square.

Despite his frail health, the Pope made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering a heartfelt Urbi et Orbi message that would turn out to be his last. “Christ, my hope, has risen,” he said, urging the world to reflect on the power of forgiveness, love, and peace even in the darkest of times.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died peacefully at 7:35 a.m. in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Rome. He had been battling health complications in recent months, which saw him miss most of the Holy Week activities and spend several periods in the hospital.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the 266th pope in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI — the first pontiff in centuries to step down. Pope Francis made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the role.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in a statement released shortly after the Pope’s passing, described him as a servant of God who gave his life to the Church and the most vulnerable.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” the statement read. “He taught us to live the Gospel with courage, humility, and universal love — especially for the poor and the marginalized.”

Even as his strength faded, Pope Francis remained committed to his mission. In his Easter message, he made a passionate appeal for peace in the Middle East, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. He described the Holy Land as “wounded by conflict” and condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis there.

“Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood,” he said during the Easter blessing. “Evil may still linger, but it no longer rules those who embrace the grace of this day.”

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion, and willingness to challenge tradition. He championed the cause of the poor, advocated for migrants and refugees, and pushed the Church toward greater inclusivity.

Now, as the world bids farewell, many remember him not just as a religious leader, but as a voice of hope in a troubled world.

The post Pope Francis Dies a Day After Delivering Easter Message appeared first on Kano Times.