Cardinal Kevin Farrell Announces the Passing of Pope Francis (Morning Air)

VATICAN CITY: The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who returned to the Lord at 7:35 a.m. local time in Rome at the age of 88. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the residence where the Holy Father spent his final years.   “Dearest brothers and sisters,” Cardinal Farrell stated, “with deep sorrow, I announce the death of our Holy Father, Francis… 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.”   Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. Throughout his pontificate, he championed mercy, humility, and care for the poor and the environment. He emphasized a Church “for the poor and of the poor,” urging compassion and outreach to the marginalized.   From his landmark encyclical Laudato si’ on environmental stewardship to his reform efforts within the Curia and his tireless calls for peace, Pope Francis left a profound impact on the Church and the world.   Cardinal Farrell concluded: “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.”   Funeral details are expected to be released soon as faithful Catholics around the world begin a period of mourning and prayer for the beloved Holy Father.