Pope Francis Passes Away: A Final Message of Peace and Humanity

Vatican City — Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, 22 April 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time (05:35 GMT), through an official statement issued by Cardinal Kevin Farrell via the Vatican’s Telegram channel.

A Life Dedicated to Peace and Equality

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis became a global symbol of compassion, justice, and unity. His efforts to promote world peace, human dignity, and social equality resonated far beyond the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. With his passing, the process to elect a new spiritual leader for the Catholic Church is set to begin.

A Heartfelt Final Message

In his final public statements, Pope Francis expressed deep solidarity with the suffering of both Israeli and Palestinian people.

"I express my closeness to the suffering of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples," he said, calling on Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups to release all remaining hostages. He also condemned the global rise in antisemitism, describing it as "deeply concerning."

The Pope issued a direct plea to all parties engaged in conflict:

"I appeal to the warring parties: agree to a ceasefire, release the hostages, and work to help those yearning for a future of peace," he urged.

Persistent Advocacy Despite Failing Health

Despite significant health challenges — including a prolonged five-week hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital — Pope Francis remained an active and vocal advocate for global justice.

In January, he had sharply criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza, describing the situation as "very grave and shameful."

A Farewell to a Global Peacemaker

Pope Francis's death marks not just the loss of a religious figure but the departure of a tireless peacemaker who sought to heal a fractured world until his final breath.