Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed. His death, which occurred at 7.35am this morning, follows a prolonged period of ill health that had increasingly limited his public engagements.
The news was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a solemn statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am 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 His Church.”
He continued, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of 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 the One and Triune God.”
The …
