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POPE FRANCIS HAS DIED, VATICAN CAMERLENGO, ANNOUNCES

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/22/2025 11:56:05 AM

VATICAN CITY, APR 21 Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church, Farrell said in the announcement. On Sunday, Pope Francis called for freedom of thought and tolerance in his Easter Sunday address. After giving his Easter greetings to the crowd, estimated at more than 35,000 people, from the basilica's balcony, Francis delegated the reading of his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") benediction to an associate. "There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others," read his speech, which also condemned "worrisome" anti-Semitism, and the "dramatic and deplorable" situation in Gaza. Known for his humble demeanour and deep compassion for the poor, Pope Francis won admiration around the globe. Elected in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he brought a fresh, humble tone to the papacy.