Kuwait City: The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after a long battle with illness, the Vatican announced earlier. His passing marks the end of a significant era for the Church, as Pope Francis was known for his efforts to modernize its approach to global issues.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Cardinal Kevin Farrell revealed that the Pope died at his residence in Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, coinciding with Easter Monday, a day of profound significance in the Christian faith. This timing adds a notable layer of poignancy to his passing.
The Pope's death occurred fewer than 24 hours after he made an appearance at the Vatican's St. Peter's Square for Easter Sunday. Despite his health challenges, he continued to fulfill his papal duties, demonstrating his dedication to the Church and its followers.
Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14 of this year for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Although he was discharged on March 24, his health continued to decline. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for advocating for countering climate change and speaking out about the global refugee crisis. In his final days, he continued to strongly condemn the Israeli occupation airstrikes on Gaza.
Pope Francis received US Vice President JD Vance in one of the reception rooms of the Vatican hotel where he lived on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings. In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass. The details of the funeral have yet to be announced.