Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on Monday (April 21): “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35am 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 His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of 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 the One and Triune God,” Sky News reports.
Tributes pour in for Pope Francis
French President Emmanuel Macron called the Pope a “man of humility, on the side of the most vulnerable and most fragile”, BBC reports.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said: “Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he had “boundless compassion”.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Pope Francis was a “great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace”.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was “a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation”.
Roberta Metsola, president of European Parliament, took to X to share a tribute to Pope Francis: “Europe mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.
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“‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice. May he rest in peace”.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, shared to X: “Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.
“He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate. My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss.
“May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”
