BREAKING NEWS: POPE FRANCIS DIES ON EASTER MONDAY—A HUMBLE SERVANT RETURNS TO THE RISEN LORD
BREAKING NEWS: POPE FRANCIS DIES ON EASTER MONDAY—A HUMBLE SERVANT RETURNS TO THE RISEN LORD
NEWS THEME: “A SHEPHERD’S FINAL JOURNEY—FAITH, SIMPLICITY, AND RESURRECTION”
BY: Gerald Aniebue
21 April 2025
With deep sorrow yet firm hope in Christ, the Church announces the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who returned to the Lord on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at 7:35 a.m. His death, marked by peaceful resignation to God’s will, invites the faithful around the world to reflect on his life of humble service and unwavering faith.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: POPE FRANCIS DIES ON EASTER MONDAY
Pope Francis’ death during the Easter Season, the Church’s celebration of Christ’s victory over death, carries powerful spiritual symbolism. His passing at this sacred time serves as a profound reminder of Christian hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936, Pope Francis was elected on 13 March 2013, becoming the first pope from the Americas. His pontificate was characterized by humility, a tireless commitment to mercy and justice, a heart for the poor and marginalized, and a passionate call for care for creation. He advocated for migrants and refugees, championed a more synodal and listening Church, promoted interreligious dialogue, and tirelessly encouraged a culture of kindness, human fraternity, and peace.
In honour of the late Pope, bishops are encouraged to organize Diocesan Eucharistic Celebrations for the repose of his soul. All Catholics are invited to pray for him, especially during the Divine Mercy devotion at 3:00 p.m. each day. During this period of interregnum, the mention of the Pope’s name will be omitted during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, as is the tradition of the Church.
In a deeply moving providence, exactly one year ago, in April 2024, Pope Francis personally revised the Order of Funeral for a Roman Pontiff. He emphasized simplicity and a focus on the faith in the Risen Christ, expressing his desire that the funeral of a Pope should reflect the humility of a pastor and disciple — not the grandeur of a worldly figure.
Now, in a poignant twist of fate, Pope Francis’ own funeral will be the first to follow these revised rites. It will send a powerful message to the world: that Pope Francis was a simple, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, a servant rather than a ruler.
At 8:00 p.m. Rome time tonight, the mortal remains of Pope Francis will be deposited in a coffin in preparation for the rites of burial.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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