A Sad Farewell: The Passing of Pope Francis
The world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church. This news comes from Reuters, citing an official statement from the Vatican.
He was 88 years old and had recently battled severe bilateral pneumonia.
«Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,» – Reuters quotes Cardinal Kevin Farrell during a Vatican broadcast.
«This morning at 7:35 AM, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned home to the Father,» - the Cardinal noted.
Thus, Reuters emphasizes, the often ambiguous papacy marked by division and tension has come to an end, as Francis sought to reform one of the world's largest religious organizations.
Earlier, Ukrinform reported that 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized in a Roman hospital, «Gemelli,» with a severe respiratory infection on February 14.
Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, he was later found to have bilateral pneumonia.
He spent several weeks in the hospital, and this health crisis was the most serious during his 12 years as pope.
The Holy See had only a few public appearances after his discharge from the hospital on March 23, when he returned to the Vatican. He missed the solemn services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
On Sunday, April 20, the Pope had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.
On Easter Sunday, the Pontiff appeared before the public to bless thousands gathered for Mass in St. Peter's Square.