Pope Francis Death: Tributes Pour in Worldwide
The world is mourning the Pope Francis death. He was the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on Easter Monday at home, Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, at the age of 88. In a press statement, the Vatican stated that the pope suffered from a stroke, which was then characterized by failure of the heart.
The last moments and funeral arrangements
Cardinal Kevin Farrell told the Vatican television service, “This morning, at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the father’s home.” The cause of death on the certificate of death is “cerebral stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.”
Francis had just recovered from double pneumonia. But besides this, once he was sick, it was obvious that his health deteriorated quickly. The pope’s body is expected to be taken St Peter’s Basilica by Wednesday, in order of allowing the faithful to pay their last respect. The Vatican verified, the funeral is to be pre-planned for Friday- Sunday. In addition the dates will depend on the time fixed at the Tuesday meeting of the cardinals.
A Pope for the Public
Elected in 2013, Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope, was an outsider, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from Argentina, in various ways. Beyond the Catholic Church, his dedication to social justice, ecological sustainability, and peace (especially with regard to war) earned him the respect of many people. He exercised this role well beyond the boundaries of the Church.
Tributes from Australia and Beyond
In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a directive for all flags across Commonwealth buildings to be lowered to half-mast following the passing of the pope.
In conversations with the media, Albanese described Francis as a “people’s pope”. He also said him as a leader defined by “humility and compassion” who was “genuinely inspiring in his simple way of living.”
In turn, opposition leader Peter Dutton conveyed similar sentiments. He stated that Pope Francis devoted himself to “God with great devotion” and served as an “example of Christ’s principles of mercy and forgiveness.”
Around the world, leaders spoke out of sadness and respect. The president of Argentina declared a week of mourning. The president of Brazil did the same. The Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, the French president Emmanuel Macron and King Charles of the UK all expressed their condolences.
In the U.S., president Donald Trump called him a “good man”. He said he would attend the funeral. The vice president JD Vance, who had a recent audience with the pope, praised his sermons during COVID for their beauty and hope.
Political and spiritual representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East acknowledged the pope’s influence for worldwide peace and interfaith dialogue.
A Controversial yet Revolutionary Papacy
Although he was celebrated by many, Francis had plenty of people who opposed him. Conservative factions in the Church condemned him for abandoning the traditions of the Church over centuries. While some progressives believed he did not advocate for enough change.
Francis, however, remained absolute in his mission. It was to make the Church “for the poor, to be made by the poor.” He eschewed the luxury of life in the Vatican, advocated for humility in priests. He consistently denounced economic hardship, environmental degradation, and war.
His proclamation at the beginning of his papacy still rings true.
“What’s a disaster if a bank loses money. But people dying of starving… who cares. This is our challenge today.”
Belief and Farewell
Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney wrote that Catholics will experience “grief and gratitude.” “We were gifted with a little extra time with him and even heard his last Easter message.”
“Many people loved him very much,” he said.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference issued a beautiful statement. They called the pope a person “of simplicity, humility, and compassion,” pouring out his life as a gift of love and service.
As countless people around the world grapple with his legacy, it’s clear that Pope Francis was more than a religious custodian. He was a global voice for the voiceless and a source of spirituality that transcended religion. He was a humble person inspiring our confused culture to ask “why?”
In times of conflict and division, his presence and leadership provided what many see as lacking today: hope, compassion, and belief in the common good.
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