Sede Vacante MMXXV

With hearts filled with sorrow, on the morning of Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the universal Church received the news of the passing of its Shepherd. At 7:35 a.m., the world heard the sorrowful and emotional announcement from Cardinal Chamberlain Kevin Farrell, from the Domus Santa Marta, the residence Pope Francis had chosen as a home among homes, close to the people and far from the pomp. His life was a gift, a living testimony of the Gospel. Through the gentle strength of his words, always simple, direct, and deeply evangelical, and the radical nature of his love, he illuminated the path of a Church. He was called to be poor among the poor, close to the forgotten, and a mother of mercy. He spoke to us constantly of mercy, as the truest face of God, and of the Church as a “field hospital,” capable of welcoming and healing the wounds of humanity. At the center of his teaching were always the poor, the marginalized, the environment, and the dignity of every human being. He constantly urged us to build bridges rather than walls, to live a faith grounded in action, and to see the world through the eyes of Christ: eyes full of tenderness, justice, and compassion. With deep gratitude, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite embrace of the merciful God. We are fully aware that his light will continue to shine in the hearts of the humanity he so deeply loved, defended, and supported.