Pope Francis Dies at 88; Vatican Announces Passing of Catholic Church Leader
By Space Coast Daily // April 21, 2025
served as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church
ABOVE VIDEO: The Vatican announced Pope Francis has died at 88 years old. Fox News’ Lauren Green gives an inside look at his life and legacy.
VATICAN – Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church who sought to guide the global church through a period of reform while preserving unity with conservative factions, died Monday morning at the age of 88.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo.
“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,” Farrell said in a statement. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Farrell praised the late pontiff’s legacy, highlighting his dedication to Gospel values and his efforts to champion the 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,” he added.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met with Pope Francis on Sunday, shared his condolences following the news.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church and the first from the Americas. Further details on funeral arrangements and Vatican observances are expected in the coming days.
