Sema Fonkem 21/04/2025

Vatican officials have announced the death of Pope Francis in the early hours of Easter Monday, 21st of April 2025 at age of 88 after battling a prolonged respiratory illness.

“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.” these are some words that were shared at the Casa Santa Marta by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.

Catholics from around the world are expected to travel to Vatican, Vatican city in the next few days to mourn the death of Pope Francis while a conclave (the process of selecting a new pope) is held by the College of Cardinals and the Catholic’s church most senior members appointed by the Pontiff. There are over 220 Cardinals from more than 70 countries but only 120 have been in the past 10 years by late Pope Francis to be electors during the conclave. one of lection rules to exclude Cardinal above the age of 80.

Pope Francis is the first ever pope to be raised outside of Europe. He is originally from Latin America and was born Buenos Aires, Argentina. His real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio and his parents were Italian immigrants who moved to Argentina.