Pope Francis dies at 88

People across the world are mourning the death of the head of the roman catholic church, pope Francis who died peacefully on easter Monday morning at 07:35 local time at his residence after months of ill health.

In a statement published by the Vatican early on Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell who holds the position of camerlengo, the cardinal who oversees the transition to a new Pope said the pope had “returned to the home of the Father”.

His death came as a shock to many who saw him on Sunday when he made a public appearance at the St Peter’s Square in Vatican to wish thousands of worshippers, “Happy Easter”.

Born on 17th December, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made a colossal impact on the lives of the vulnerable and spoke to power without fear or favor during his twelve-year reign as the pontiff.

Social media has been flooded with tributes from world leaders moments after the death of the iconic priest.

US President Donald Trump wrote on social media: “Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

Ghana president John Dramani Mahama said, “His legacy of compassion, humility, and commitment to social justice will continue to inspire generations. His leadership and advocacy for the poor and marginalised resonate deeply”.

The world woke up to the sad news of Pope Francis’ passing. On behalf of my family and the people of Ghana, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and all Catholic faithful in Ghana during this time of profound grief.

I fondly remember visiting the Vatican… pic.twitter.com/O2YfSmkIx9

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) April 21, 2025

A requiem has been held in his honor in Ghana’s capital Accra and a host of cities worldwide to mark his passing.

Pope Francis, real name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio died at the aged of 88.