The Pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. Rome time, following several health complications that worsened in recent months.
Pope Francis died this Monday at 7:35 a.m. (5:35 GMT) at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, as announced in a video message by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell. He had been ill for a long time, although last Sunday, Easter Day, he was seen sitting in a wheelchair without nasal oxygen cannulas. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
“With deep sorrow, I must announce that Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. today. The Bishop of Rome has returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church, and he taught us the value of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell announced.
He continued: “With immense gratitude for his example as a disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”
In the video, recorded in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, also present were the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin; the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Venezuelan Edgar Peña Parra; and the Master of Ceremonies, Diego Ravelli.
At 9:45 a.m., a message was sent via the Telegram channel for accredited Vatican journalists announcing a broadcast from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, which could be followed through Vatican media outlets.
In the broadcast, those present appeared solemn and dressed in dark attire. Farrell delivered the announcement, as it is the responsibility of the Camerlengo to manage affairs during the so-called Sede Vacante, the period between the death of a pope and the election of his successor.
Francis, who had been absent from all Holy Week rites as he continued recovering from a recent hospitalization, appeared on Sunday on the balcony of the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
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