The Vatican announced this morning that Pope Francis has died. Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on Monday: “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” It comes after the pontiff made multiple public appearances following a long stay in hospital with double pneumonia.
These included emerging from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square. At around 12pm, about 19 and a half hours before his death, the Pope expressed his good wishes to those assembled from a balcony. “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” Francis said. The pontiff then embarked on a surprise popemobile drive through the piazza, stopping occasionally to bless babies. He drew wild cheers and applause from the faithful, as the crowd shouted: “Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!” The Associated Press reported that Francis looped through the square in his open-topped vehicle and up and down the main avenue leading to it.
The Pope did not celebrate Easter Mass in the piazza, instead delegating it to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica.
However, after the Mass ended, Francis appeared on the loggia balcony over the basilica entrance for more than 20 minutes, and imparted the apostolic blessing in Latin.
He was outside for around 50 minutes, as temperatures reached 21C. The piazza contained daffodils, tulips and other flowers donated by the Netherlands.
Earlier that day, Francis briefly met US vice president JD Vance, a Catholic convert, who was spending Easter in Rome with his family.
The departed pontiff, who was from Argentina, was the first from South America, and the first from outside Europe since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741.
He was elected by a conclave of cardinals in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stepped down from the office.
Francis was already in his 70s when he took over the role.
The Vatican’s statement continued: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″