Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
The news was announced early today by the Vatican, sending shockwaves around the globe.
A statement released by the Vatican from Cardinal Kevin Farrell read in part: “At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Here in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette Bishop John Doerfler made the following statement:
“Along with Catholics throughout the world, we mourn the death and pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. His pontificate was marked with deep concern for suffering people on the fringes of society. Let our own hearts be so opened to those in our midst who need love and care. God is rich in mercy, as Pope Francis so often reminded us. Thus, as we prepare for the feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday, let us commend Pope Francis to the mercy of God, trust in God’s mercy for us, and be merciful to one another. May Pope Francis rest in peace.”
Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Francis just yesterday on Easter Sunday, said his heart goes out to all who loved him. The White House posted on X, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
Elsewhere, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the Pontiff for knowing how to “ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity.” Russia’s Vladimir Putin also sent his condolences as did the presidents of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Pope Francis always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile and said a great pain would be felt in France and around the world. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Francis a man of deep faith and boundless compassion who fostered ties with the Jewish world.
Pope Francis had made a surprise visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City this weekend. He arrived in his wheel chair and stopped to pray at St. Peter’s tomb before Saturday evening’s Easter vigil. The pope also greeted those in attendance before returning to his residence. He’s remained mostly out of the public eye since his release from the hospital last month, where he battled double pneumonia.
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