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Pope Francis dies at 88, announces Vatican

IANS April 21, 2025 433 views

Pope Francis, a transformative global religious leader, passed away on Easter Monday at 88 in the Vatican. His papacy was characterized by compassion, diplomatic outreach, and commitment to social justice. He maintained significant international relationships, including cordial interactions with Indian leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His death marks the end of an era for the Roman Catholic Church and global humanitarian leadership.

"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis" - Cardinal Kevin Farrell"
Pope Francis dies at 88, announces Vatican
Vatican City, April 21: Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican said in a statement Monday afternoon, India time.

Key Points

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Pope died at 88 in Vatican residence

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Had recent meeting with US Vice President

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Maintained strong diplomatic relations globally

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Respected by world leaders including Modi

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church had been suffering from respiratory ailments and pneumonia.

"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican's TV channel.

On Easter Sunday morning, Pope Francis had a brief private meeting with the Vice President of the United States of America, J D Vance, the Holy See's Press Office had detailed about the interaction that lasted a few minutes.

Vance was travelling to Italy with his family and visited the Secretariat of State before travelling to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in the past admired Pope's commitment to serve people and had also extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India at an early date.

"Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India," the Prime Minister posted on X after meeting the Pope at the G7 Summit's Outreach Session in Borgo Egnazia, last year.

In October 2021, the Pope received PM Modi during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, which was also the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in more than two decades.

In June 2000, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope, John Paul II.

India and The Holy See have friendly relations dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. India is also home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia.

Reader Comments

M
Maria L.
My heart is broken 💔 Pope Francis was such a compassionate leader who truly lived the Gospel message. His work with the poor and marginalized will never be forgotten. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
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James T.
While I didn't always agree with his political statements, there's no denying he was a man of deep faith who tried to modernize the Church. Interesting to see his last meeting was with VP Vance - wonder what they discussed.
A
Anita R.
Rest in peace, Holy Father. His humility was truly inspiring - remember when he chose to live in simple quarters instead of the papal apartments? That spoke volumes about his character.
R
Rajiv K.
As an Indian Catholic, I'm grateful for his outreach to our country. Hope his successor continues building bridges between the Vatican and India. Interesting that he died on Easter Monday - symbolic timing.
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Sophie M.
The article mentions his respiratory issues - makes me wonder if his COVID infection in 2020 contributed to his declining health. Regardless, 88 is a good long life of service. Prayers for the conclave ahead.
T
Thomas W.
While I admired his commitment to social justice, I wish he had been more decisive about Church reforms. Still, his legacy on environmental issues alone makes him one of the most significant popes in modern history.

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Tags:
Pope Francis Vatican Catholic Church Papal Death Narendra Modi Religious Leadership
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