"Pope Francis, the Beloved Pontiff, Passes Away at 88"

Listeners, today marks a significant and somber moment for the Catholic Church as Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican announced that he died on Easter Monday morning, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican. Pope Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, leading the Church for just over twelve years and remembered for his welcoming, pastoral approach and commitment to mercy and outreach[5].

In the immediate aftermath of his death, the Church has entered a period known as “sede vacante,” during which the papal seat remains vacant until a new pope is elected. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of ascertainment of the pope’s death and oversee the placement of his body in the coffin. This ceremony is set for 8:00 PM Rome time in the Chapel of the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, with senior cardinals and family present. Plans have been made for Pope Francis’s body to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, allowing the faithful to pay their respects[2].

The passing of Pope Francis has also led to the postponement of major Church events, including the long-awaited canonization Mass for Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was scheduled for later this week. The Vatican has stated this celebration will be rescheduled after the period of mourning ends[2][5].

Before his passing, Pope Francis remained active in Church affairs, issuing his Easter “Urbi et Orbi” message expressing hope for peace, especially in the Holy Land, and urging for a ceasefire in Gaza. He voiced concern over growing anti-Semitism and called for global solidarity with suffering communities in the Middle East[3]. His Easter homily, delivered on Sunday and read by Cardinal Angelo Comastri due to the pope’s declining health, spoke of hope, renewal, and transformation through faith[4].

Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts to address migration issues, financial reform within the Vatican, and his call to clergy and the world to embrace humility and compassion[6][8]. The global Catholic community now mourns his passing, honoring a pontiff who shaped the Church’s modern direction and left a lasting spiritual legacy[5].