VATICAN: Pope Francis died (of stroke and heart failure) here Monday (21st April, 2025) at the age of 88: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo announced.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history, was suffering from lung disease and was hospitalised on 14th Feb due to complications caused by double pneumonia. Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “His Holiness demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering unity among world religions, advocating for the oppressed, and promoting the inherent dignity of all humankind.
“Pakistan deeply valued his tireless efforts to enhance mutual respect and understanding among diverse cultures and faiths. The legacy of His Holiness – marked by profound humility, selfless service, and a unifying vision for humanity – will endure as an inspiration for generations to come. At this moment of profound sorrow, Pakistan stands in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters worldwide and with all those touched by his extraordinary life of service.”
Pope Francis, who (due to fragile health) did not preside over the Vatican’s Mass for Easter Sunday (20th April, 2025), appeared briefly at St. Peter’s Basilica and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Terming the state-of-affairs in the Middle East as dramatic and deplorable, the pontiff stated: “I express my closeness to the sufferings […] of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people…I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Fatima Bhutto taking to the X maintained: “Pope Francis was the only public figure of conscience and compassion we had, the world is morally poorer without him. Even as he breathed his last breath, he spoke out for Gaza and called the parish daily to offer what comfort he could to Palestinians…”.
World Leaders React:
Argentinian President Javier Milei regretted the death of Pope, belonging to his country, and praised his focus on inter-religious dialogue; Australian PM Anthony Albanese noted Pope Francis’s compassion embraced all humanity; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held: “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
French President Emmanuel Macron noted: “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile; Germany’s (chancellor-in-waiting) Friedrich Merz took to the X to post: “He was guided by humility and faith in God’s mercy”; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commented how diligently the Pope served the poor and downtrodden; Irani Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged Francis’s global spiritual influence.
PM of Italy Giorgia Meloni said: “I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased, not even during times of trial and suffering;” Polish President Andrzej Duda maintained that the pontiff’s example offered answers to contemporary challenges; Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded the endeavours of Pope Francis to ameliorate ties between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
Justice Minister of Spain Felix Bolanos praised the Pope’s reformist papacy; While King Charles spoke of Pope Francis’ compassion, commitment to unity, and the environment, PM Keir Starmer recalled his “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all”; American VP JD Vance, who met the Pope a day earlier, said: “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
Newspakistan.tv
