The North News
Chandigarh, April 21
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and one of the most transformative figures in the modern Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his death early Monday, confirming that he passed away at 7:35am at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, following complications related to bronchitis.
“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,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, in a formal announcement, according to media reports.
Francis had been receiving treatment for a prolonged respiratory illness and was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on 14 February. His health had been a subject of concern in recent months, though he continued to appear in public for key religious ceremonies.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis was elected pope in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He quickly distinguished himself with his pastoral style, progressive stance on social justice, and emphasis on humility, interfaith dialogue and care for the poor and planet.
Tributes poured in from around the world, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those who expressed grief over the Pope’s passing. “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Modi said in a statement. “In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community.”
Modi hailed the Pope as “a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage” whose legacy, he said, would endure in the hearts of millions across the globe.
Reflecting on the pontiff’s early devotion to the teachings of Christ, Modi noted his commitment to the marginalised and suffering. “For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also recalled his meetings with Pope Francis, describing them as deeply inspiring. “His affection for the people of India will always be cherished,” he added. “May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace.”
Francis’s death marks the end of a papacy defined by reform, outreach and compassion. His successor will inherit a church at once renewed and tested, amid shifting global dynamics and deep theological debates.
Pope Francis, one of the most transformative figures in recent Church history, has died at the age of 88. He passed away on Monday morning at 7:35 am at his Vatican residence in Casa Santa Marta, following complications related to bronchitis. “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,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced today. Pope Francis had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on 14 February after suffering from a prolonged respiratory illness, according to media reports.
