Pope Francis Dies at 88

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic church has died a day after Easter Sunday at the age of 88 the Vatican confirmed. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, who oversees Vatican affairs between papacies.

“With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

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He praised Francis for dedicating his life to the Church and for living the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially toward the poor and marginalized.

The news comes as a surprise, just a day after Pope Francis made a public appearance. On Sunday, April 20, he addressed a large crowd and delivered the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, his most high-profile event since his recent hospital discharge.