Condolence messages are continuing to arrive following the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
“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.”
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists later on Monday that the late Pope’s body could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, so that the faithful may pray before his mortal remains.
“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Mr. Bruni said.
The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.
Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.
After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.
As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
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 which has yet to be announced.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.
The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
According to a statement released by the Office of the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, which states that on Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened by the news of Pope Francis’ passing. We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace.
Also, Fridolin Cardinal AMBONGO, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, the statement reads thus- The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the entire Church, Family of God in Africa and its Islands join the universal Church in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Pope Francis has been more than a shepherd to the universal Church; he has been a profound source of inspiration, particularly for us in Africa. His unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being resonated deeply with our continent’s struggles and aspirations. Throughout his papacy, he visited Africa, taking the time to understand our realities, listen to our stories, and amplify our voices on the global stage. His visits to various countries on the continent brought hope and love to countless people and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to being a family.
In his encyclicals, particularly “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis championed the dignity of all, urging us to embrace a culture of encounter and fraternity. His advocacy for the environment, based on a deep appreciation for our common home, and his emphasis on the importance of dialogue have inspired us to take action in addressing the pressing issues facing our communities today. He courageously called us to embrace the spirit of synodality, encouraging all members of the Church to walk together, listen to one another, and build a more inclusive and loving community.
As we reflect on his legacy during this time of mourning, we are reminded of the Easter promise of resurrection—a message of hope that transcends even death. We honor Pope Francis’s life by continuing his mission of love and service, striving to build a Church that is truly inclusive and a world that reflects God’s kingdom.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Catholic Church and to all who were touched by his ministry and love. We invite the faithful across Africa and Madagascar to join us in prayerful remembrance, giving thanks for the life and teachings of Pope Francis. May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring message guide us as we strive to build a more just and loving world.
In another vein, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on behalf of the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji has urged Bishops to organise Diocesan Eucharistic Celebrations for the repose of his soul, while all Catholics are also requested to pray for the same intention during the Divine Mercy devotion at 3:00 O’clock. We are reminded that, during this period of interregnum, the part on the Pope at the Eucharistic Prayer is omitted. Thus, in using the Eucharistic Prayer II, for example, we are to say “… together with N. our Bishop and all the clergy.”
May the soul of Pope Francis and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
