April 21, Pozirk. Pope Francis has passed away on Easter Monday in the Vatican, vaticannews.va announced.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “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.”
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected pope in March 2013.
His health deteriorated in the recent few years. In mid-February, he was hospitalized with severe bronchitis and pneumonia.
The pontiff called for release of prisoners of war and political prisoners in the Urbi et Orbi Easter message yesterday.
