Headlines 21 April 2025

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday

Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.

The pope passed away the morning after the holiest day in the Christian year, when the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Despite his poor health, Francis was seen a number of times in public at the Vatican during Holy Week, culminating in an Easter Sunday appearance where he delighted crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The pope’s death was announced “with deep sorrow” by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who said Francis died at 7:35 a.m local time (1.35 a.m. ET). 

Until a new pope is chosen, Cardinal Farrell acts as the head of the Vatican.  

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