Dominicans and people around the world awoke on Monday, 21 April 2025, to the sad news that Pope Francisco, 88, has left this world. Those watching the evening news on Sunday, 20 April had celebrated he was able to greet his followers at the Vatican Easter Sunday celebration after a long bout of illness. Moreover, the news had reported he held a brief meeting with visiting US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on that same day.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, would announce the death of Pope Francisco at 9:45am, local time, from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The Pope had been recovering from a serious bout of bronchitis in February. After 38 days in the hospital, the late Pope had returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
NPR of the United States highlighted that Pope Francis was the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church in over a millennium and was one of the most popular popes in decades. He was elected to his exalted post in 2013 and cast an image of humility during years of strain and change, within his church and worldwide.
The Roman Catholic Church holds a dominant position in the Dominican Republic, partly due to the 1954 concordat with the Vatican. The church also plays a large role in education, providing schooling and human formation. An estimated 50% of the population considers themselves Catholics.
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Vatican News
NPR
21 April 2025