It is with sadness that following the celebration of Easter Sunday wherein Catholics globally rejoice as God has risen from the dead, our dear Pope Francis died today, Easter Monday.
Pope Francis participated in as much as could during the Easter Sunday celebration in the Vatican. He likewise greeted the crowd from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in appreciation of the Catholic devotees participation in the Holy Week tradition. The Pope’s appearance was considered a high-profile appearance as Pope Francis gave his specialaostolic blessing “urbi et orbi” [To the city (Rome) and the world) that was delivered by Archbishop Diego Ravelli. Archbishop Ravelli is the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations. After the Easter blessing at the Balcony of St Francis Square, the Pope received briefly US Vice President JD Vance.
Pope Francis, 88, was the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church. He served the Vatican for 12 years following his election on March 13, 2013. He was considered by Filipinos as the “Pope of the People” being named after St. Francis of Assisi. The untimely demise of Pope Francis was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrel, a top Vatican official from the Casa Sta. Marta at 7:35am, Vatican time on Easter Monday.