New Delhi: Pope Francis died Monday morning at his residence in Vatican City. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the death of the Pope. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church, Farrell said in the announcement. The Pope was likely to visit India after the "Jubilee Year".
When Pope Met PM Modi Last Year:
In June 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Pope Francis at the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy. During that meeting, PM Modi invited him to visit India.
"Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the @G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India,” Modi had said in a post on X after meeting the Pope.
In 2021 also PM Modi met the Pope. That meeting was held during a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican in October 2021. That time, the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. They also discussed the challenges posed by climate change.
Announcing the Pope's death from the Casa Santa Marta, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, stated, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church."
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," he added.
Pope led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. He was the first non-European pope.
