Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is dead.
The pope had recently survived a serious bout of pneumonia that kept him incapacitated for weeks.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the passing of the Pope on Monday morning.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Farrell.
“At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Rumours about Pope Francis’s state of health started circulating about a fortnight ago, with some quarters claiming the pontiff had died.
However, his health improved greatly in the past few days, and the pontiff even issued an Easter Sunday message that emphasised peace.
Following the death announcement, many world leaders and Catholic faithful from around the world penned messages to mourn the pope.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: “I mourn the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace.”
Anooshka Soham Bathwa: A light has gone out in the world! Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion, humility, and unwavering service to the marginalised will endure far beyond his time on Earth! May his soul find eternal peace, and may his teachings continue to guide us!
Irada Hasan: “A champion of the poor, a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless advocate for interfaith dialogue and global solidarity. Rest in peace.”
Rigathi Gachagua: I join the Catholic Church and the world in mourning the demise of Holy Father, Pope Francis. He led the Church on firm doctrine and faith and inspired many people outside the Catholic Church with great love and humility. The Holy Father has left a big gap in the Church and the world. His contribution to Catholicism remains strong. My deepest sympathies to the Catholic faithful in Kenya and the world.
Niclas Aarestrup KD: “A humble shepherd and a courageous voice for peace and human dignity. May Pope Francis rest in eternal light and love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of millions. May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”
William Ruto: We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity.
He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.
His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stood down.
This came as a surprise to many church watchers who considered the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.
READ ALSO: Pope Francis Allows Blessings for LGBTQ Couples
Pope Francis, a former bouncer, radiated simplicity and never took possession of the ornate papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors.
He, however, faced backlash from conservatives who accused him of trashing cherished traditions.
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