LIVE | Pope Francis died due to heart failure: Vatican
Pope Francis, elected the 266th pontiff on March 13, 2013, was the first Latin-American to head the Catholic Church
Pope Francis has passed away, the Vatican announced on Monday (April 21). He was 88 and battling health issues.
The Vatican said that the cause of Pope Francis' death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo. “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.
“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 example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″
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Read the updates below.
Live Updates
- 21 April 2025 9:13 AM GMT
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over Pope Francis' death
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed grief over the death of Pope Francis. The CM said that the Pope's legacy was marked by compassion and commitment to social justice.
" Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, inclusivity, and a profound commitment to social justice. His papacy was characterized by significant outreach to marginalized communities, interfaith dialogue, and a critical stance on global capitalism.
Pope Francis was an ardent advocate for the poor and the marginalized. He frequently emphasized the church's mission to serve those "discarded" by society, including the homeless and impoverished populations. His experiences in Buenos Aires shaped his understanding of poverty, leading him to declare that "the globalization of indifference" must be countered with active compassion for the needy.
His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights evolved during his papacy, as he sought to foster a more inclusive church. He famously stated that "everyone has dignity," regardless of their sexual orientation. This message resonated with many who felt alienated by traditional church teachings.
Pope Francis also championed the rights of Palestinians, often expressing solidarity with their plight. He highlighted the sufferings of the people there, advocating for peace and mutual understanding in the region. His interfaith efforts included historic meetings with leaders of various religions, reinforcing his belief that dialogue is essential for peace.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis prioritized interreligious dialogue as a means to foster peace. He believed that cooperation among different faiths was crucial in addressing global conflicts and promoting social harmony. His meetings with leaders from Islam, Judaism, and other faiths exemplified his commitment to building bridges between communities. His visits to UAE and Iraq and the statements issued in connection with them, were historic.
He often called for a collective effort to tackle pressing global issues such as poverty, environmental degradation and climate change, emphasizing that these concerns transcend religious boundaries. He famously stated that "interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace.
Pope Francis was unflinching in his critique of capitalism, which he viewed as a system that perpetuates inequality and marginalizes the poor. He described an economy of exclusion as one that "kills," urging a reevaluation of economic priorities to prioritize human dignity over profit. His encyclicals often addressed the need for structural changes in economic systems to create a more equitable society.
Pope Francis's legacy is one of profound empathy and action towards creating a more just world. His outreach to diverse communities, commitment to interfaith dialogue, and critique of capitalism will continue to inspire future generations in their pursuit of peace and social justice," said Vijayan in a statement.
