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The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of an era defined by humility, bold reform, and global influence.
The news comes less than 24 hours after what would be his final public appearance. On Easter Sunday, the Pontiff was seen at St. Peter’s Square, waving from a wheelchair to the sea of faithful gathered to celebrate Christianity’s most sacred day. Despite his frail health, he offered a warm greeting:
“Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
Unable to deliver his traditional Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing due to declining health, Pope Francis sat solemnly as an aide read the message on his behalf. He remained present, quietly observing the ceremony—his presence alone resonating deeply with the global Catholic community.
As part of the day’s rituals, the Pope was driven around the square in his popemobile, pausing several times to bless infants brought forward by emotional pilgrims. That final ride would become a symbolic farewell, now seen as a poignant goodbye to a world he served for over a decade.
A Life of Unwavering Service
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Jesuit Pope, the first Pope from the Americas, and the first non-European Pope in over 1,200 years. Since ascending to the papacy in 2013, he championed causes close to the marginalized—climate action, refugee rights, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue.
His papacy wasn’t without controversy, especially among conservatives in the Church. Yet, his open-minded stance on once-taboo topics—from LGBTQ+ inclusion to reforming Church governance—earned him praise as a modernizer and spiritual bridge-builder.
Backlash in Africa Following Silence on the Owo Massacre
In Nigeria, Pope Francis’ legacy is more complicated. While many mourn his passing, others recall a period of strained sentiments following his perceived silence on the Owo Church massacre in Ondo State, Nigeria. In 2022, the brutal attack that left dozens of worshippers dead was met with what some Nigerians felt was a muted response from the Vatican.
Social media reactions following his death have been mixed, with some expressing anger over what they saw as a missed opportunity for the Pope to strongly denounce the attack and stand in solidarity with African Catholics.
“The Pope was quick to speak about crises in other parts of the world, but Owo got barely a whisper,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite this, many Nigerians, particularly among the Catholic faithful, have acknowledged his broader impact on the global Church and humanity as a whole.
What Comes Next
The Vatican has declared a period of mourning and is preparing for what will likely be one of the most significant funerals in modern Church history. A Conclave of Cardinals is expected to begin deliberations soon to select the next Bishop of Rome.
As millions around the world reflect on his life and death, Pope Francis will be remembered as a spiritual leader who dared to challenge tradition, embraced the vulnerable, and redefined what it means to serve with compassion.
