Francis, Bishop of Rome, Supreme Pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, in Buenos Aires, on December 17, 1936, died in Rome minutes ago, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 -- the 2778th anniversary of the Foundation of the City of Rome. May he rest in peace.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 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 of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God." [source]
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The Roman See is now vacant, and, following the period of mourning and funeral ceremonies, in the form recently simplified by Francis, the voting Cardinals will be called to Rome for the conclave for the election of the new Pope (link to our most recent post on the 2025 Conclave, published last week.)
