HONG KONG (SE): Pope Francis, the first pope to come from the Global South, who called for pastors of the Church to “be shepherds with the smell of the sheep” and grounded in their flock, for the Church to reach out to the marginalised and those on the periphery, and to journey with each other in synodality died at 7.35pm, Rome time, Kevin Cardinal Farrell, the camerlengo [chamberlain] of the Apostolic Chamber, announced from the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where the pope resided.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” Cardinal Farrell announced at 9.45am, Rome time.
Pope Francis had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14 after suffering from a bout of bronchitis. His clinical situation gradually worsened and he was diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on February 18. After 38 days he was released and returned to the Domus Sanctae Marthae to convalesce.
Even though his doctors had prescribed at least two months of rest and recuperation, he did not let that keep him from his mission, as he continued to work, meet people, and write reflections and homilies—even when he was in hospital—and more recently writing the reflections for the Good Friday Way of the Cross that was observed at the Colosseum on April 18.
On Easter Sunday, the pope emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to Urbi et Orbi [to the city and to the world] message and blessing, proclaiming, “Christ is risen…Christ, my hope, has risen.” He would later meet briefly with JD Vance, the vice president of the United States.
His Holy Week activities took him to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing a tradition he has observed since the beginning of his pontificate: drawing close to those living behind bars. He greeted the inmates personally and gave each of them gifts, though this year he did not celebrate Mass or wash their feet, as had been his custom.
On April 16, he held an audience with staff from the Gemelli hospital to express his gratitude to them, and even met with Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla on April 9.
Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis, the 266th pope, has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world stage. His papacy, characterised by a focus on humility, mercy, social justice, and a pastoral approach, has resonated with many while also sparking debate and discussion. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. His background in the Global South shaped his perspective and priorities, particularly his concern for the poor and marginalised.
He taught us to live the values of the gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God
Cardinal Farrell
From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis signalled a departure from traditional papal styles, opting for simplicity and directness. He chose the name “Francis” in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint known for his poverty, humility, and love for creation. This choice set the tone for his papacy, emphasising a Church that is close to the people, especially those on the margins of society
Two of his most impactful encyclicals are Laudato Si’ (2015), a powerful call to action on climate change and environmental stewardship, and a critical look at consumerism and irresponsible development, while appealing for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet; and Fratelli Tutti (2020), where he tackled themes of universal fraternity and social friendship, calling for a renewed sense of solidarity and compassion in a world marked by division and inequality.
He also made Pope Francis’ 47 apostolic visits abroad, taking him and his message of closeness to every continent and almost every corner of the earth; most recently to 4 different nation across Asia and Oceana—Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore from 2-13 September 2024.
Pope Francis sought to move the Church forward by promoting synodality, inclusivity, and a missionary spirit. He has emphasised the importance of synodality, involving greater participation and collaboration between the laity, bishops, and the pope in the life of the Church. He personally oversaw the two sessions in the Vatican of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops on Synodality, in 2023 and 2024. He has convened other synods on various topics, such as the family and young people, encouraging open dialogue and discernment
The late pope also reached out to marginalised groups, including migrants, refugees, prisoners, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. He called for an end to discrimination and prejudice, and stressed the dignity of every human person.
Pope Francis urged the Church to be more missionary-oriented, to go out to the peripheries to share the gospel with those who have not heard it. He encouraged Catholics to be bold and creative in their evangelisation efforts, witnessing to the joy and hope of the gospel.
The pope, who called for the pastors of the Church to “be shepherds with the smell of the sheep”, led by example. He maintained a simple lifestyle, choosing to reside at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican guesthouse, rather than the papal apartments and using a modest car.
He visited prisons, refugee camps, and impoverished communities, offering words of comfort and solidarity, and washed the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday, following the example of Jesus. He stressed the importance of personal encounter, urging Catholics to reach out to those on the margins and to see the face of Christ in every person.
Pope Francis’s papacy has been marked by a consistent call to mercy, compassion, and encounter, challenging the Church to be more attentive to the needs of the poor and marginalised, to promote dialogue and reconciliation, and to be a credible witness to the gospel in the modern world.
While his reforms have faced resistance and criticism, his emphasis on mercy and encounter has resonated with many and his legacy will likely be remembered for his efforts to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and missionary-oriented Church, one that truly reflects the love and mercy of God.
His funeral is scheduled for April 26, 10.00am, Rome time.
