Pope Francis Passes Away At 88 On Easter Monday
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The world is mourning the loss of the beloved 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM today, Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican.
According to the announcement made by the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit and first Latin American Pope, choosing the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.
His 12-year pontificate was marked by humility, sweeping reforms, and a strong voice for the poor, the environment, and interfaith unity.
From overhauling Vatican offices to championing the fight against climate change with his groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
His funeral will be conducted according to new, simpler papal rites he personally approved in 2024 underscoring his lifelong message of simplicity and faith.
Archbishop Ugorji has called on Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for the peaceful repose of the Pope’s soul.
