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Pope Francis death. StartSmart Nigeria reports that Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. The Pope died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis became the first Pope from the Americas and served as a symbol of compassion, reform, and interfaith dialogue throughout his papacy.
📢 Official Vatican Announcement
A brief statement shared via the Vatican’s official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account confirmed the Pope’s passing:
“Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.”
🇺🇸 Meeting with U.S. Vice President Before His Passing
On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with James David Vance, the Vice President of the United States of America, at the Casa Santa Marta. The meeting took place shortly after 11:30 am and was described as a short encounter to exchange Easter greetings.
According to the Holy See Press Office, Vance had arrived in Italy with his family and was received at the Secretariat of State on Saturday morning by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
“A cordial conversation took place, during which the shared commitment to uphold religious freedom and freedom of conscience was reaffirmed. Discussions also touched on global political tensions, war-affected regions, humanitarian crises, and the plight of refugees and prisoners,” said the Vatican.
✝️ Vance Family Attended Good Friday Celebration
On Good Friday, the U.S. Vice President, accompanied by his wife and three children, attended the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at Saint Peter’s Basilica. The mass was presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
🕊️ Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis will be remembered not only as the first Jesuit Pope, but also as a spiritual leader who championed causes such as:
- Environmental protection (Laudato Si’)
- Refugee rights and migration
- Poverty alleviation
- Interfaith dialogue
- Reforms within the Catholic Church
His commitment to humility and inclusion left an indelible mark on the global faith community.
📌 Conclusion
The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday marks a significant moment in global religious history. As the world mourns the loss of a beloved spiritual leader, Catholics and global citizens alike reflect on his legacy of peace, compassion, and service.
StartSmart Nigeria will continue to provide updates on funeral arrangements and the transition process within the Vatican.
Credit* Naija News
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