In Memory of Pope Francis, A MAN OF THE PEOPLE’

Leaving behind a legacy of simplicity and an ardent advocacy service for the marginalized, Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

The death of the Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, who differed from other pontiffs in many ways, was announced at 9.45 AM on Easter Monday by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, according to Vatican News, with these words:

"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."

The Pope’s body, as reported, would be placed at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning for the faithful to pay their last visit and pray before his mortal remains.

In 1957, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who took the name Francis after becoming the Pope, had at his early 20s, undergone a surgery in his native Latin America to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by an infection. Later, he had to deal with respiratory illness as he aged.

On February 14 this year, the Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital upon suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. A few days back, he had come back to the Vatican.

Pope Francis had the final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he waved to the gathering from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican.

On Easter Monday, the Pope, according to Vatican News, breathed his last at 7.35 local time.

‘A MAN OF THE PEOPLE’: Tributes pour from Across the World

Argentina

The office of President Javier Milei, “deeply regretted” the death of the first Argentinian leader of the Catholic Church. President Milei praised Pope Francis for his focus on interreligious dialogue and his encouragement of spirituality among the young.

European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pope Francis “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”

United States

Sharing a tribute on the social media, the White House wrote: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis”. A photo of President Donald Trump and the First Lady meeting the Pope accompanied. Additionally, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

Vice President JD Vance had met the pope on Sunday.

Russia

President Vladimir Putin expressed his “sincere condolences”. He praised the Pope’s efforts to strengthen ties between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

France

President Emmanuel Macron praised the late pontiff for his humility and said, “in this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile”.

Brazil

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva prised Pope Francis for his work on climate change and social justice. “With his simplicity, his courage and empathy, Francis brought the topic of climate change to the Vatican”.

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”

Germany

Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, wrote on X:“He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy.”

Iran

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the nation “extended condolences to all Christians around the world”.

Poland

Polish President Andrzej Duda hailed Francis as “a great apostle of mercy”. He said Pope Francis, in his pastoral ministry, “was guided by humility and simplicity.”

Mexico

President Claudia Sheinbaum called the passing of Pope Francis a “great loss”. She wrote on X: “A humanist who opted for the poor, peace and equality. He leaves a great legacy of true love for his neighbour. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, it is a great loss”.

United Kingdom

King Charles said he was “most deeply saddened” by the passing of the Pope.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying Pope Francis’s tireless efforts to promote “a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.

HOW THE COUNTRIES MOURN

In Argentina, the Pope's home, a seven-day national mourning has been announced.

Brazil has also declared a week-long national mourning “to pay homage to Pope Francis’s work”, as stated President Lula.

In Austria, Black flags are to be hung from churches and clerical buildings to mourn the passing of the Pope.

In the UK, royal residences will fly the Union Jack at half-mast; and also at the British embassy in the Vatican.

In France, the bells at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris rang out 88 times in tribute of Pope Francis. Lights at the Eiffel Tower turned off.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE DEATH OF A POPE?

• The official duties are carried out by the Pope's chamberlain, currently Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

• The Pope’s ring and the seal, which is used to authenticate official documents, are destroyed by the Pope's chamberlain so that they cannot be used by anyone. The Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell will destroy them.

• Cardinal Kevin Farrell, assisted by a team of three Cardinals, will set out the mourning schedule for Pope Francis. Date of the Funeral would be decided. According to practice, the funeral should be held within four to six days after his death, with a funeral mass in St Peter's Square.

• The death of a Pope also puts in a motion of the process of election of a new pope.

HOW IS A NEW POPE ELECTED?

Cardinals from around the world will arrive in Vatican for the election, known as a conclave.

After the 15-day mourning period is observed, the conclave to elect the new Pope begins.

The new Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. There are currently 252 Cardinals, among whom only 135 are eligible to cast ballots to elect the Pope. The rest of them can take part in the deliberations, but cannot vote.

Now, in the absence of a Pope, it the Church is under the governance of the College of cardinals.