Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, has died aged 88.
The Pope had been seriously ill in hospital for around five weeks with bronchitis and later pneumonia before making appearances over the Easter holiday period.
In Sydney, St Mary’s Cathedral rang its bells 88 times in his memory.
His passing was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Casa Santa Marta:
‘Dearest brothers and sisters, it is 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 favour of the poorest and most marginalised. 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. ’
Vatican News writes:
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.”
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, issued her tribute on social media.
‘Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. This news saddens us deeply, because a great man and a great pastor have left us. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering. In the meditations of the Via Crucis, he reminded us of the power of the gift, which makes everything flourish again and is capable of reconciling what in the eyes of man is irreconcilable. And he asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that “does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects”. We will walk in this direction, to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good and build a more just and equitable society. His teaching and his legacy will not be lost. We greet the Holy Father with hearts full of sadness, but we know that he is now in the peace of the Lord.’
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also issued a statement:
‘On behalf of the Coalition, I express my condolences to Australians of Catholic and Christian faith upon the sad news of the death of the 266th pontiff.
His Holiness, Pope Francis, served God with the utmost devotion throughout his life. He was the first Pope from the Jesuit order and the first Latin American Pope. He lived frugally and simply.
Above all else, he was driven by Christ’s values of mercy and forgiveness. He emphasised those values in his last Christmas address saying, “God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division. God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.”
With God, may Pope Francis rest in peace.’
Pope Francis’ last tweet read:
‘Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. #Easter’
