Pope Francis Dies at 88, Tributes Pour In
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Monday. His passing was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who said the Pope “returned to the home of the Father” at 7:35 a.m., after a life devoted to serving the Church, CE Report quotes PAP
Francis had been hospitalized on February 14, 2025, with a severe respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days in Gemelli hospital, though he made a brief public appearance on Easter Sunday.
Tributes followed swiftly from world leaders. Polish President Andrzej Duda described him as a humble and simple shepherd, calling him “a great apostle of Mercy.” Prime Minister Donald Tusk called him “a good, warm and sensitive man.”
Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed sorrow, recalling his 2016 visit and the impact he had on millions. “Requiescat in pace,” the ministry wrote.
