Pope Francis - Rest in Peace - We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis who has reportedly passed away in the Vatican today.

Pope Francis - Rest in Peace - We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis who has reportedly passed away in the Vatican today.

Rest In Peace – Pope Francis (2013-2025)

Pope Francis had only just recently returned to the Vatican after a months long battle with a critical lung infection and lung failure. He was recovering back in his residence and he had appointed key Cardinals to celebrate the Holy Week and Easter Liturgies which concluded just last night.

We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, who was a tireless worker for the Gospel of Our Lord. We also pray for the church as it enters into this time of prayer and reflection.

(Image – Licensed by Shutterstock – circa 2019. Photo ID: 1524254318 - Vatican City, Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor -Riccardo De Luca – Update.

Sede Vacante – "the Seat is Vacant"

[ Sede Vacante – "the Seat is Vacant" – The official coat of arms of the Catholic Church in the period of time between the death or resignation of a Pope and the election of a new Pope]

(Image – Licensed by Shutterstock – circa 2019. Photo ID: 1524254318 - Vatican City, Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor -Riccardo De Luca – Update.

Pope Francis I

[born Jorge Mario Bergoglio]

17 December 1936 - 21 April 2025

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from severe illness. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969; from 1973 to 1979, he was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. Throughout his public life, Francis has been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, international visibility as pope, concern for the poor and commitment to interreligious dialogue. He is known for having a less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors by, for instance, choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guest house rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by previous popes.

(above: Pope Francis' Coat of Arms with the Latin words meaning "by having mercy, by choosing him." 

Pope Francis' pontificate, which began in March 2013, has been marked by several significant themes and actions:

1. Emphasis on Mercy: Pope Francis declared the Year of Mercy (2015-2016), focusing on compassion and forgiveness within the Church and beyond.

2. Environmental Advocacy: His encyclical Laudato Si' (2015) calls for urgent action on climate change and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the moral imperative to care for the planet.

3. Outreach to the Marginalized: Francis has made efforts to reach out to the poor, refugees, and marginalized communities, advocating for social justice and human dignity.

4. Interfaith Dialogue: He has prioritized dialogue with other religions, fostering relationships with Muslims, Jews, and other faiths to promote peace and understanding.

5. Reform of the Curia: Francis has initiated reforms within the Vatican's administrative structures to enhance transparency and accountability.

6. Focus on Synodality: He has emphasized the importance of listening to the laity and engaging them in the Church's decision-making processes, promoting a more inclusive Church.

7. Addressing Clerical Abuse: Francis has taken steps to address the sexual abuse crisis within the Church, implementing measures for accountability and support for victims.

8. Promotion of Family Values: His apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (2016) addresses contemporary family issues, advocating for pastoral care that is more accommodating and understanding of diverse family situations.

These marks reflect his broader vision of a Church that is more compassionate, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the modern world.

On 14 February 2025, he was hospitalized due to bronchitis. His hospital stay was later extended to address clinical issues rising from a polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract. A follow-up CT scan showed the "onset of bilateral pneumonia". On 21 February 2025, his health was slightly improving, before worsening again on the following day due to a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis. Vatican News, in accordance with Francis's wish to make information on his condition public, described his condition as critical and reported that he was given blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen. He remained at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. He eventually recovered sufficiently to be released back to his residence, but was ordered by doctors to rest for the next two months. His health, while improving daily, was still quite fragile. 

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord. 

May perpetual light shine upon him. 

May he rest in Peace.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. 

Amen. 

(Various sources)