April 21 — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and one of the most influential religious leaders of the 21st century, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed. His death follows a long battle with chronic lung disease and complications from double pneumonia, for which he was hospitalized earlier this year.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, in a brief statement.
The Argentine-born pope, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was widely regarded as the most progressive leader in Vatican history. His final public appearance came on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a message of peace, unity, and hope from St. Peter’s Square. The sermon, delivered just one day before his passing, is now being remembered as his final message to the world.
Final Easter Message
“Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” began the pope’s address. “From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear unexpected good news: Jesus, who was crucified, ‘is not here, he has risen’ (Lk 24:5). Jesus is not in the tomb, he is alive!”
Francis emphasized the triumph of love over hate, light over darkness, and forgiveness over revenge. “Evil has not disappeared from history… but it no longer has power over those who accept the grace of this day,” he said.
Addressing global conflict and social injustices, he called for solidarity with the marginalized, migrants, and victims of war. “How much violence we see, often even within families, directed at women and children! On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and revive our trust in others,” he urged.
Plea for Peace in Gaza and Beyond
The pope reiterated his calls for peace in the Middle East, expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” he said. “The growing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza… where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction.”
He appealed to all parties for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian aid. He also extended prayers for suffering Christian communities in Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria.
Global Reaction and Tributes
World leaders and religious figures have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Francis’s legacy.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and others, issued a statement lauding Pope Francis for his “staunch opposition to the war” and his support for Palestinian rights.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called him “a faithful friend” of the Palestinian people. “Pope Francis recognized the Palestinian state and allowed the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican,” Abbas said in a statement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the pope’s “humanitarian positions” and unwavering advocacy for justice and interfaith dialogue. “Pope Francis dedicated his life to promoting Christ’s teachings of peace, justice, and freedom,” he said.
Francis’s papacy will be remembered for his focus on compassion, dialogue, and inclusion. He championed progressive stances on climate change, same-sex unions, and the rights of migrants and refugees, often drawing both admiration and criticism from within the Church.
As the world mourns, preparations begin in Rome for the funeral of a leader who spent his final days advocating for peace amid global conflict.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
