The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis.
Як пише “Vatican News”, він помер вранці 21 квітня у віці 88 років.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. This morning at 7:35 a.m., Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal charity, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. Grateful for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Palace, said.
The Easter Holy Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, on behalf of Pope Francis, was celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
The day before his death, the pontiff received American Vice President J.D. Vance at the Vatican. The meeting was brief: it lasted a few minutes.
Tetyana Boyarchuk,
«Lb.ua»
“Millions of people in the world are saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Pope Francis. His life was dedicated to God, people and the Church.
He knew how to give hope, alleviate suffering through prayers and help unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and Ukrainians. We mourn together with Catholics and all Christians who relied on the spiritual support of Pope Francis. Eternal memory!”
President of Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky
“I received today’s news of the passing of Pope Francis with heartfelt sadness. As the head of the Roman Catholic Church, he dedicated his life to serving God, spreading the Christian faith, and implementing many humanitarian initiatives to help those in need.
During our personal meetings, Pope Francis expressed sincere concern for the fate of Ukrainians suffering from Russian aggression. His efforts and personal assistance in the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, as well as the return to Ukraine of children deported by the Russian authorities, were extremely important to us. The late pontiff sought, in accordance with his convictions, to help Ukrainians achieve peace and always called for prayer for this. Yesterday, in his Easter message, the Pope again mentioned “Ukraine, torn by war,” expressing hope for the establishment, by God’s will, of a just and lasting peace in our country.
His efforts and prayers will not be in vain, but will live on in the hearts of his flock.
I express my heartfelt condolences to all Catholics, the episcopate and the plenitude of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who have lost their leader, as well as to all who honored the deceased Pope Francis.
These days we remember the sacrifice of the Savior on the cross, Who saved humanity with His death, so that we might gain eternal life. And with His Resurrection, He marked the victory over death, giving humanity hope that evil will be defeated, and we will certainly be reunited with our deceased in eternal life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life” (John 6:47).
May the Lord rest the soul of Pope Francis in His abodes, and have mercy and save us, for He is Good and Loves mankind.”
Metropolitan Epiphanius
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“…He was a man of simple piety who sought to bring the church closer to the people. He freely gave his gifts and had a unique personal approach to everyone he met. He lived by his motto Miserando atque Eligendo (“Lowly but chosen”).
On December 7, 2024, when I was elevated to the College of Cardinals, I asked the Holy Father to pray for Ukraine, to help free the stolen Ukrainian children, and to pray for me in my new mission as an Australian-Ukrainian Cardinal. I now pray that Pope Francis will intercede with Christ for the people of Australia and Ukraine, and that God will grant me the grace to live out my mission as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church…
In a world devastated by war, he called for peace and justice. I am grateful to the late Holy Father for his frequent appeals for a just peace in Ukraine and for the efforts of the Holy See, both public and private, with which he helped to bring relief to the prisoners…
I also ask for your prayers for the Cardinals-elect who will meet in the Conclave, that the Holy Spirit may enlighten our hearts and minds, so that we may elect a worthy candidate for the 267th Bishop of Rome and the Successor of Saint Peter. I will travel to Rome as soon as possible to participate in the funeral rites of Pope Francis and to remain in the Eternal City to participate in the Conclave that will elect his successor.”
Cardinal Mykola Bychok
