Staff Reporter :
Pope Francis, the beloved and transformative leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, following a prolonged illness caused by double pneumonia. He died peacefully at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, within the Vatican.
The announcement of his passing was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, who said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
He added: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.
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 Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, later informed the media that arrangements were being made to transfer the late Pope’s body to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, 23 April, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their final respects.
“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Bruni stated.
Leaders from across the globe, including from Bangladesh, have expressed their condolences at the passing of Pope Francis. In a heartfelt message addressed to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, paid tribute to the late Pontiff, describing him as “a beacon of peace, humanity, and unity” whose leadership transcended religious and national boundaries.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh, we, with a heavy heart, express our deepest condolences at the sad demise of His Holiness Pope Francis,” wrote Professor Yunus.
He praised the Pope’s unwavering commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting interfaith harmony, and advocating justice for the marginalised and displaced.
Reflecting on his personal interactions with the Holy Father, Professor Yunus noted:
“I have been honoured to meet many times with Pope Francis and to work closely with him to foster peace, human dignity, and environmental stewardship.”
The message also recalled the deep admiration held by the people of Bangladesh, particularly during Pope Francis’s historic visit to the country in 2017, which left a lasting impression on both Christian and non-Christian communities alike.
“During this time of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the Catholic Church and people of faith around the globe, remembering the profound impact of his teachings and the kindness he extended to all,” the Chief Adviser stated.
He concluded by offering prayers for the eternal peace of Pope Francis’s soul and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing his vision of a compassionate, inclusive, and just world.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the eldest of five siblings. He felt called to the priesthood at the age of 16 and, after 13 years of religious formation, was ordained. In 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the Papacy.
During his papacy, Francis became a global moral voice, championing the causes of climate justice, poverty alleviation, and the rights of migrants and refugees. His encyclical Laudato Si on environmental care received international acclaim. He played a critical role in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, and frequently spoke out against nationalism, extremism, and exclusion.
Notably, he opened doors for women and laypeople to participate more fully in church leadership and decision-making processes, and consistently advocated for interfaith dialogue and global peace.
Pope Francis passed away peacefully after delivering his final blessing to Easter crowds on Sunday. His legacy, grounded in humility, compassion, and courage, continues to inspire millions around the world.
