Egypt Daily News – Pope Francis often characterized by division and tension as he sought to reform the ancient institution. Following the announcement, condolences poured in, with many emphasizing his commitment to “defending the most needy.”
In a recorded statement on Monday morning (April 21, 2025), the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88. This came after he recently suffered from severe double pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on Vatican TV, “Dear brothers and sisters, with great sadness and sorrow, I announce the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.” He added, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first Latin American to ascend to the papal seat of the Catholic Church. He was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, which surprised many observers of the Church, who viewed the Argentine cleric known for his care for the poor as an outsider.
The Argentine pope had been admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to pneumonia. The Vatican had described his condition at the time as “critical.” He was discharged on March 23 after a 38-day hospital stay—the longest of his papacy. On Sunday, he made a brief appearance among the faithful in St. Peter’s Square in the Popemobile, appearing exhausted and only able to say a few words. One of his aides read the message he had intended to deliver.
Despite his worsening health and his use of a wheelchair, the Pope insisted on maintaining a rigorous work schedule against doctors’ advice. He suffered from hip issues, knee pain, underwent surgeries, experienced respiratory infections, and used a hearing aid.
The world mourns the Pope
Soon after the announcement, messages of condolence began pouring in from around the globe for a man whom Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz said “will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable in society.” French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences “to Catholics around the world,” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised his “humility and pure love for the needy.” The White House posted “Rest in peace Pope Francis” alongside photos of him meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on separate occasions.
In Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun mourned the Pope, saying he “carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and always called on the world to support Lebanon in its trials” and to “preserve its identity and diversity.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described him as “a true friend of the Palestinian people.” A statement from Egypt’s presidency said he “was devoted to the Palestinian cause.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the Pope “was a man of deep faith, peace, and compassion who worked to strengthen relations with the Jewish world.” On X (formerly Twitter), Herzog wrote that the late pope was “a man of deep faith and boundless mercy, who dedicated his life to supporting the poor and advocating for peace in a troubled world.” He added, “I sincerely hope his prayers for peace in the Middle East and the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) are answered soon.” Iran, which maintains good relations with the Vatican, also extended its condolences “to all Christians around the world.”
In many churches around the world, bells tolled 88 times in memory of Pope Francis. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced a Mass would be held the day after tomorrow, Wednesday. The Eiffel Tower in Paris will turn off its lights on Monday evening, and scheduled Serie A football matches in Italy have been postponed.
