Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern Catholicism, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that he passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, following complications from chronic lung conditions, including a recent bout of double pneumonia .
A Historic Papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years. His election followed the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Francis chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility, poverty, and social justice .
A Legacy of Reform and Compassion
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was known for his progressive stances on various issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He emphasized a more compassionate and inclusive Church, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about gay individuals. His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, called for urgent action on environmental issues .
Francis also took significant steps to address the Church’s sexual abuse scandals, implementing reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. He defrocked high-ranking clergy accused of abuse and met with survivors, though critics argued that more comprehensive measures were needed .
Final Days and Global Tributes
Despite declining health, Pope Francis made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing the faithful from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s Camerlengo, praised Francis’s dedication to the Gospel and his embodiment of faith, courage, and compassion .
World leaders, including Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, lauded his humility and commitment to social justice. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met with Francis shortly before his death, described him as a “moral compass in turbulent times” .
The Path Forward
Following traditional Vatican protocols, the period between Pope Francis’s death and the election of his successor will involve ceremonial rites, including the symbolic destruction of the Pope’s ring of authority. A conclave of cardinals is expected to convene within three weeks to elect the next pontiff .
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and a renewed focus on the marginalized. His efforts to modernize the Church and address global issues have left an indelible mark on the Catholic community and the world at large.
Attached is a news article regarding the death of pope Francis
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/crknlnzlrzdt
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>
<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc
No comments:
Post a Comment