Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday; PM Modi, JD Vance Among World Leaders to Mourn Loss

Pope Francis breathed his last at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta after a prolonged illness, the Vatican informed on Monday. The Argentine pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced on Easter Monday at 9:45 am.

"This morning at 7:35 am the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," Farrel added.

The Pope, in his Easter Sunday speech, called for freedom of thought and tolerance. A day before, he also met US Vice President JD Vance.

He was elected in 2013 and had suffered various ailments in 12-year papacy. Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on March 23, following five weeks of treatment for pneumonia.

On February 14, the Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. After four days, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia as his health deteriorated.

The process for choosing a new pope--the conclave--generally starts around 15-20 days after the death of a pontiff.

Pope Francis Funeral

Pope Francis has chosen to be buried at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, marking the first time in over a century that a pope will be laid to rest outside the Vatican. Departing from tradition, he declined the customary three-coffin burial, opting instead for a simpler casket made of wood and zinc.

Condolences Pour In

Condolence messages from the world leaders also poured in honour of the Pontiff. Paying homage to the Pope, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.

Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, said that as the Pontiff asked the world to follow a path that does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects, "we will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society."

"I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful," says Vance.