Vatican Has Reported That Pope Francis Has Died Monday Morning

Monday, April 21, 2025, 5:30 A.M. ET.  2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

VATICAN CITY- Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Chruch has passed away peacefully in Vatican City at the age of 88-years-old.

     In a video statement released by the Vatican, “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s Television channel. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

     Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, which surprised many Church members who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as something of an outsider. Pope Francis sought to project some simplicity into the grand role of Pope, who never took possession of the ornate papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, saying that he preferred to live in a community setting for his “psychological health.”

     Pope Francis inherited a Church that was under attack over child sex abuse scandal and torn by internal infighting in the Vatican bureaucracy, and had been elected with a clear message in restoring order. As he progressed, he faced continued criticism, that accused him of trashing cherished traditions. 

     While Pope Francis struggled with internal dissent, he became a global superstar, drawing huge crowds on most of his foreign travels as he promoted interfaith dialogue and peace, taking the side of marginalized groups, such as migrants. Francis was unique in modern times, but two men continued to wear white in the Vatican for much of Pope Francis’ rule, with his predecessor, Benedict, opting to continue residing in the Holy See after his resignation in 2013, opening the way for Pope Francis.

     At this time the Vatican has not released the circumstances surrounding the Pope’s death. Today’s death comes just one day after Pope Francis delivered Easter Mass at the Vatican, and met with Vice President JD Vance.