Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, at age 88 after a long and difficult battle with pneumonia. The Holy Father assured the Catholic Church he believed the papacy was a vocation until death and did not step down despite his failing health. Born in Argentina on December 17, 1936. He studied theology and became a priest in 1969. He served the people of Buenos Aires as a priest and bishop. Pope John Paul III made him a Cardinal in 2001. The College of Cardinals elected him pope in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stepped down. His 12 years as leader of the Catholic Church ushered in a new era as the first Latin American pontiff.
Videos by InspireMore
The Vatican announced his death in a statement that reads, “”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 marginalized. 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.”
Pope Francis Stayed In Touch With His Followers In A Worldly Way
He was the first Pope to embrace social media and use it frequently to communicate. In his final post on X on Easter Sunday he shared a haunting message, “Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
In the wake of his death, many flocked to his X page to share condolences.
One worte, “Pope Francis did not perfect the Church. But he awakened its possibility. He did not erase suffering. But he refused to look away. He did not solve the world. But he lived, as if love were stronger than death.
“88 years old, On Easter Monday. The symbolism is crazy,” A follower wrote.
Another shared, “Whenever I thought he was wrong, I usually came around and eventually understood he was right. He opened everyone’s minds and hearts to Catholicism and Christianity. He gently challenged us, AND reassured us, as Christians. I am grateful for him leading Christ’s Church into the next era of renewal and growth, and mentoring us all.”
This person felt Pope Francis’ final post was profound, “We were not made for death but for life’ Great last words by Pope RIP Pope Francis.”
The College of Cardinals will elect a new pope in the coming weeks.
This story’s featured image is by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
