Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
In a statement, the Vatican said: “At 8:12 p.m. (Central European Time) on Monday, 21 April, 2025, the Holy Father Pope Francis returned to the house of the Father. The Pope had been experiencing deteriorating health for several months, and over the past few days, his condition had significantly worsened.”
According to Vatican News, the pope passed away in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where he had moved after resigning earlier this year, citing health reasons.
The Diocese of Owensboro joined Catholics around the world in mourning the pope’s death. Bishop William F. Medley issued a statement Monday morning, highlighting the significance of Pope Francis’ passing during the Easter Octave.
“As the universal Church comes together to observe the Easter Octave, we mourn the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis,” Medley said. “His leadership has been a guiding light, calling us to deeper faith, greater compassion, and unwavering trust in God’s mercy.”
Medley said plans are underway for a Mass for the Dead to be held later this week in the Diocese of Owensboro. Details will be announced once finalized.
“The passing of a pope is a profound moment in the life of the Church,” Medley said. “It is a time of grief but also one of hope, as we reflect on the enduring mission Christ entrusted to Peter and his successors. As we prepare for whatever may come, I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Owensboro to join me in prayer for the soul of our Holy Father, for the Church, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the days ahead.”
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell also released a statement Monday, honoring Pope Francis’ legacy.
“Elaine and I join people of faith around the world in mourning the passing of his holiness, Pope Francis,” McConnell said. “From the beginning of his papacy, the Holy Father invited Christians from every walk of life to more fully embrace the call to care for the vulnerable, including the unborn and the poorest among us. He reminded us by word and deed that we are all called to lives of faithful service. Now, as the shepherd of more than a billion Roman Catholics reaps his eternal reward, we give thanks for a life of witness to the truth: Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Throughout his 12-year papacy, Vatican News said he became widely known for his emphasis on mercy, care for the marginalized, and dialogue across faiths.
