Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria
Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Latin American pontiff in 2013, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Francis’s journey to the papacy began when he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and later became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. His elevation to cardinal in 2001 further solidified his influential position within the church.
HEALTH ISSUES AND PASSING
In recent weeks, Pope Francis had been battling chronic lung disease, including a severe case of pneumonia in both lungs. Despite his health challenges, he continued to serve the church until his passing.
The world mourns the loss of a spiritual leader who left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and beyond. Pope Francis’s legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals with his message of compassion, mercy, and hope.