By Mfon Jacott.
Easter Monday is the second day of Eastertide and a public holiday in some countries. In Western Christianity it marks the second day of the Octave of Easter; in Eastern Christianity it marks the second day of Bright Week.
Easter Monday marks the beginning of the next chapter when the resurrected Christ is believed to have returned to Earth.
The death of Francis, who became the first Latin American pontiff in 2013 and was one of the oldest popes in the church’s history, came weeks after he was discharged from a Rome hospital having battled a life-threatening case of pneumonia in both lungs.
Pope Francis was hospitalized for five weeks with double pneumonia. His doctors said later that the pope was so critically ill the staff considered stopping his treatment so he could die.
But the pope recovered from the worst illness and was discharged last month and was convalescing at the Vatican. The Vatican said as recently as last week that his health was improving.
While he did not lead any major services during the holiday period, the pope continued to hold engagements up to Easter Sunday, when he met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance.
Pope Francis gave the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s, although an aide read out the Urbi et Orbi on his behalf. He also rode the popemobile through the crowds gathered at the square, stopping several times to bless babies handed to him.
Pope Francis died at 7:35am [05:35 GMT] in the Vatican. He was aged 88. Condolences and messages of grief have poured in from all corners of the world.
POPE FRANCIS LAST MESSAGE:
Pope Francis appeared at noon local time in his wheelchair and blessed the crowd. After declaring “Buona Pasqua!” (Happy Easter!), he indicated someone would read his message for him.
Francis’ final Easter address called for an end to violence worldwide, and compassion for the world’s marginalized people.
“On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!” the message implored, in part.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” the pope’s message also declared.
The pope particularly addressed the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza: “I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. … I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!” the message said.
The Easter message also addressed ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere, as well as humanitarian crises around the world.
“I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development,” the message said. “These are the ‘weapons’ of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!”
CONDOLENCES FROM WORLD LEADERS
US President Donald Trump orders flags flown at half-staff as a “mark of respect for the memory” of Pope Francis. He posted a brief statement on his Truth Social network, saying: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Britain’s King Charles said the pope will be “remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the pope “a great man and a great pastor,” and said she “had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering.”
Javier Milei, President of Francis’s home country Argentina, said that “having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honor for me.”
Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as a “humble servant of God” and a “guiding light for millions” across the globe.
Russia President, Vladimir Putin expressed his “sincere condolences”, praising the efforts of Francis to strengthen ties between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches. The Moscow Patriarchate echoed the sentiment, saying the late pontiff had played a key role in advancing dialogue between the two branches of Christianity.
President of France, Emmanuel Macron praised the late pontiff for his enduring solidarity with society’s most vulnerable. “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile,” Macron said, commending his humility.
South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa praised the pope’s advocacy for inclusion, equality, and environmental stewardship.
Palestinian Authority, President Mahmoud Abbas called Francis a “loyal friend of the Palestinian people” and a “strong defender of peace, love and faith”. He said the pope’s support for Palestinian rights and justice never wavered, noting that Francis “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican”.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying Francis’s “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered
United Nations
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Pope Francis’s historic influence as a voice for peace and human dignity. He was a messenger of hope, humility and humanity.
Brazil President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed Pope Francis for his work on climate change and social justice. “With his simplicity, his courage and empathy, Francis brought the topic of climate change to the Vatican.”
India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said: “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.”
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said Francis’s life was defined by his efforts to build a fairer and more peaceful world. “He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
