Vatican City – On the morning of April 21, 2025 — Easter Monday — the world bid farewell to a spiritual giant. Pope Francis, the 266th pope and beloved Father of the Universal Church, was called home to God at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from Latin America, and the first to take the name “Francis,” inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis became a symbol of humility, compassion, and mercy. His tireless advocacy for the poor, his care for creation, and his efforts to reform and renew the Church touched the lives of millions. He was a voice for the voiceless, a bridge builder between faiths, and a spiritual father to the global Catholic family.
His death on Easter Monday — a day of resurrection and hope — brings a powerful spiritual reflection to the faithful. The global Church now enters a time of mourning and prayer, honoring a shepherd who walked closely with his flock.
A Child of the Church Mourns
From the grand cathedrals of Rome to the small chapels of distant lands, hearts are united in grief. In a quiet corner of the world, from the Archdiocese of Saigon, even the smallest voices are raised in sorrow and prayer. As one young child expressed, “The little child of the Archdiocese of Saigon mourns the Holy Father.” This heartfelt message echoes the love and loss felt across continents and cultures.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica, and a nine-day period of mourning (novemdiales) has begun. During this time, prayers will rise from every corner of the earth, honoring the life and legacy of a man who gave everything in service to Christ and His Church.
May the soul of Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his example continue to guide the Church he loved so deeply.
