Pope Francis

Rome, Italy-On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. Local Time, Pope Francis returned to the house of the Father at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. He had reached the age of 88 years, 4 months and 4 days.

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, December 17, 1936, the oldest of five children born to Mario José and Regina María (Sívori) Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was ordained a priest in 1969 and spent his early ministry caring for the poor and forgotten. In 1998, Pope Francis was appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires and in 2001 he was elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul, II. Then on March 13, 2013, he was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. At that point he took the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, known for humility, peace and care of all creation.

He transformed the heart of the Catholic Church, touching the lives of millions across the world. Pope Francis was a light in the world that often felt heavy with division and despair. He taught that greatness is found in service, leadership is born of compassion and that the heart of the Holy Gospel is mercy. He made open the doors of the Church to those broken, lost and searching. He constantly reminded that in God's eyes, no one is truly ever forgotten. Pope Francis' voice rang out for the poor, refugee and the earth itself, calling all humanity to more tenderness and responsibility. In soft words and bold actions, he proclaimed that faith is not a fortress to defend, rather a bridge to build. Truly, Pope Francis never lost sight of the simple profound call of God and the Gospel, that is to love and to serve.

Although his earthly cares, service and pilgrimage is over, his spirit will live on in the hands of all who reach out to the lonely, in the hearts of all that forgive when life is hardest and in courage to believe that love is more strong than fear. Thanks be to God for the life of Pope Francis. In his memory carry forward his wishes, being people of peace, voices to those that have none and walk always with humility and hope.

On Monday evening, April 21, 2025, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell presided over the certification of death and the placement of Pope Francis' mortal remains in his casket.  The Veneration of the Faithful will be held now until Saturday morning at St. Peter Basilica.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Local Time (4:00 a.m EST) Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Peter Square. Burial will be at Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

Eternal rest, grant onto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the + Holy Spirit. Amen.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at ackermancares.com.  All condolences will be forwarded to the Vatican.