Pope Francis Passes Away Amid Global Turmoil
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Synopsis
Pope Francis has passed away, leaving the world and the faithful amid conflicts. He was known for his humility and dedication to reforming the Church, advocating for peace and assistance to the needy. His legacy includes significant meetings with global leaders and a commitment to addressing pressing global issues.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2023.
- He made a public appearance on Easter Sunday despite illness.
- He was dedicated to reforming the Church and serving the marginalized.
- Pope Francis sought peace in global conflicts, including Ukraine.
- His funeral will lead to the election of a new Pope.
Rome, April 21 (NationPress) "Dearest brothers and sisters, with profound sorrow I must share the news of the passing of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, conveyed the sad news of Pope Francis' death from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.
Despite being gravely ill, Pope Francis made an appearance on Easter Sunday to bless the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for Easter and delivered the Urbi et Orbi ("to the city and to the world") blessing, which represents the most significant form of blessing in the Catholic Church, reserved for the most important occasions.
The Pope, dedicated to the Holy Roman Church, had a meeting with U.S. Vice President Vance just hours prior to his passing.
He became Pope following the conclave after Cardinal Ratzinger, who was then Pope Benedict XVI, resigned in February 2013, marking the first voluntary resignation of a pope since 1294.
The Church he took over was engulfed in significant internal discord. Pope Francis, a humble servant of God, endeavored to reform it, eschewing the lavishness traditionally associated with the Papacy and committing himself to helping the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
He departs from the world and the faithful during tumultuous times, where he frequently sought to be a voice of reason and peace, appointing a special envoy for the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict and advocating for a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East.
"I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to utilize available resources to assist the needy, combat hunger, and foster initiatives that promote development," was the message communicated on his behalf during one of his last public appearances on Easter Sunday.
In 2021, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy, he was among three leaders who had a personal audience with Pope Francis. The meeting with PM Modi, originally slated for 20 minutes, extended beyond an hour. He also shared a friendly interaction with the Prime Minister at the G7 heads of State Summit in June 2024 in Bari. Despite his desire, he was unable to visit India during his papacy. He elevated George Jacob Koovakad, an Indian Cardinal of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, to Cardinal in 2024 and appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The transitional period following the Pope's passing is governed by specific rules and traditions outlined in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by John Paul II in 1996 and updated by Benedict XVI. The Vatican enters a phase known as 'sede vacante', which effectively translates to a "vacant seat", signifying the absence of the Pontiff in the Apostolic See of Rome.
Pope Francis expressed his desire to be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, rather than the customary St. Peter's Basilica where pontiffs are usually buried. He also simplified the mourning rituals and last rites of the Papacy. Following a mourning period of nine days after the funeral, the Cardinals will convene at the Sistine Chapel for a conclave to select Francis' successor, who will steer the Holy Roman Church in a time of renewal amid global strife.
