Pope Francis is deadThe Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, the day after the Easter, in the heart of the year of Jubilee. The news, confirmed by the Vatican Press Office, has shocked the world. Jorge Mario Bergoglio has passed away at 88 years old, after a period of fragility following hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic for serious bilateral pneumonia.
Farewell to Pope Francis: From Convalescence to Death
Discharged on 23 March last after six weeks in hospital, the Pontiff had slowly regained his strength, through respiratory and motor physiotherapy. Despite his convalescence, Pope Francis still wanted to be close to the faithful, attending the most heartfelt events of Holy Week, from Holy Thursday to Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing, albeit with a tired voice and limited commitment.
In recent days, however, his condizioni they had become more delicate, also due to breathing difficulties and the difficulty in fully recovering mobility. The doctors had prescribed caution and protection, but the Pope had not given up on some surprise outings, such as the visits to Santa Maria Maggiore and the tomb of Saint Pius X.
Despite the signs of improvement highlighted by his medical staff, the clinical picture has worsened in the last hours, until the official announcement: at 7.35 this morning, Pope Francis has passed away, surrounded by the affection of his collaborators and entrusted to the prayers of the universal Church.
Pope Francis, the pontiff “who came from the end of the world”
Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first Pope from the Americas and the first belonging to theJesuit order. Son of Italian emigrants - his father Mario, a railway worker originally from Piedmont, and his mother Regina Sivori, from a Ligurian family - he grew up in a working-class environment as the first-born of five children. After obtaining a diploma as a chemical expert and working in various jobs, including cleaner and bouncer, he entered the Jesuit seminary at the age of 21. Ordained a priest in 1969, dedicated himself to teaching and served as rector of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy of San Miguel. In 1998 he became archbishop of Buenos Aires and in 2001 he was appointed cardinal by John Paul II. Already considered "papabile" in the Conclave of 2005, was elected Pope on March 8, 2013, after the resignation of Benedict XVI. During his pontificate he distinguished himself by choosing to address social issues such as migration, the environment and economic justice, positions that often provoked contrasting reactions within the Church itself and in public debate.
Reactions Around the World to the Death of Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis has deeply shaken Italy and the world. In a few minutes, there were messages of condolence from every corner of the planet. The premier Giorgia Meloni recalled: “A great man and a great pastor leaves us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering. […] We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord”.
The President of the Republic was also deeply touched, Sergio Mattarella: “I learned with great personal sorrow the news of the death of Pope Francis, sensing the serious void that is created by the loss of the point of reference that he has always represented for me […] His teaching has recalled the evangelical message, solidarity among men, the duty of closeness to the weakest, international cooperation, peace in humanity. Gratitude towards him must be translated with the responsibility to work, as he has constantly done, for these objectives”.
The Cardinal Matteo Zuppi asked that “the bells of the whole world be rung”, while Father Antonio Spadaro recalled that “he leaves an enormous legacy”. Emotion and condolences among political leaders. From the minister Antonio Tajani words of gratitude: “Let us pray for him and for the future of the entire Catholic Church. Holy Father, may he protect us from above.” Matteo Salvini wrote: “Pope Francis has reached the Father's House”. From the opposition, Giuseppe Conte (M5s) called him “a guide in difficult times”. Angelo Bonelli (Avs) recalled “his defense of creation and of the last”. Nicola Fratoianni (Avs) called him “a man of peace and justice.” Carlo calenda (Action) spoke of “a spiritual guide for believers and non-believers.” Paolo Gentiloni (former prime minister) said: “He gave everything to his Church.”
From abroad, numerous heads of state and government paid homage to the Pontiff. The American vice president JD Vance expressed gratitude for meeting him recently, saying “I will remember the homilies in the days of covid”. From the White House “Rest in peace”. The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recalled his "commitment to peace", while the French president Emmanuel Macron stressed that Pope Francis “wanted the Church to bring joy”. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta metola, recalled how “he won the hearts of millions of people”. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, shared a photo of himself with the pontiff: “Today the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions of people, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and his pure love for the less fortunate […] the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to guide us all towards a more just, peaceful and compassionate world”. The Tass agency shared a video of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Bergoglio, recalling the three conversations in the Vatican in 2013, 2015 and 2019. The two also spoke on the phone, the last time in December 2021. Every year, the Russian president sent the Pope congratulations on the anniversary of his election and Christmas and New Year greetings to the Vatican
Last update: Monday 21 April at 11.33am
