Pope Francis dying newest: Catholics around the globe mourn first South American bishop of Rome | EUROtoday

On Easter Sunday, one day before Pope Francis died, the Pontiff made a surprise appearance from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Francis wished worshippers a happy Easter and blessed the thousands of people in Vatican City.

He was met with cheers from the crowd, who chanted “Viva il Papa”, long live the Pope.

It was his longest public appearance since he left hospital after he was treated for double pneumonia.

World leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced the pontiff’s death on Monday.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described Francis as in every way a man of the people

“The world Catholic neighborhood bids farewell to a pacesetter who recognised the burning problems with our day and known as consideration to them.

“With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect,” Schoof said.

Pope Francis has died aged 88, after 12 years at the head of the Catholic Church.

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news on Monday.

The senior official said: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”

Read the complete story by my colleague Alex Croft right here:

Following the dying of a pope, or in uncommon circumstances of resignation resembling with Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican convenes a papal conclave, during which the College of Cardinals come collectively to elect the Church’s subsequent head.

The guidelines of the conclave, as of twenty-two January 2025, said there are 138 electors of the 252 cardinals. Only these beneath the age of 80 could participate within the secret poll within the Sistine Chapel.

Four rounds of voting would happen on daily basis till a candidate receives a serious two-thirds of the vote, in a course of that usually lasts 15 to twenty days, per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops web site.

Pope Francis died on Monday, weeks after he was hospitalised for an prolonged time frame.

The pontiff had been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for weeks battling a fancy lung an infection which led to early levels of kidney insufficiency, the Vatican stated.

All his audiences and deliberate occasions had been cancelled after he suffered from double pneumonia.

Pope Francis has died, a senior Vatican official has introduced.

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated on Monday: “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

“His whole life was devoted to the service of the Lord and of his Church.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his instance as a real disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”