
Pope Francis, the 266th Pope and the first from the Americas, was born in Argentina into a family with Italian roots and died today at the age of 88 after a stroke and heart failure. He served as Pope for 12 years and was known for his humility, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was the first Jesuit Pope but adopted the name of the founder and patron of the Franciscan Order, Saint Francis of Assisi. |
A series of ancient traditions rule the pope's funeral and subsequent conclave.
Vatican City, Apr.21 (DP.net).—Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a top Vatican official acting as the Camerlengo, announced Pope Francis's death from the Casa Santa Marta, where he resided, at 7:35 a.m. this Monday.
Francis was one of the most popular popes in decades and a towering figure on the world stage, dialoguing and seeking a fraternal approach at all times, not only with Catholics but with people and groups of all religions, beliefs, and political tendencies.
Francis was at times a controversial figure in his own church. Conservative critics charged him with bending church dogma as a concession to modern mores. Progressives, meanwhile, were disappointed that he did not go further to include LGBTQ Catholics and women in church leadership roles.
Christine Allen, director and CEO of the international charity Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, said in a statement: “Pope Francis’s greatest gift was that in an increasingly divided world, he could get people and governments to think beyond their own self-interest, and work together for the common good."
- Hits: 35