The Brief
- Pope Francis died on Monday morning at the age of 88.
- News of his death took many by surprise after an Easter Sunday appearance in St. Peter’s Square.
- Church leaders and government officials have shared statements mourning his passing.
OAKLAND, Calif. – The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.
News of Pope Francis’ death came as a shock after he made an Easter Sunday appearance in St. Peter’s Square to greet the crowds gathered there to celebrate the holiday.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013. He made numerous headlines during his time as the head of the Catholic Church. His death is being mourned across the globe.
Local reactions
“Together with the whole Church, we in the Diocese of Oakland mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He was unique among popes: One of a kind,” Bishop Michael C. Barber of the Oakland Diocese said in a statement. “He will be forever known as “The Pope of Mercy.” He called for a “Holy Year of Mercy” in 2016, which inspired an outpouring of charitable works and led to the reconciliation of thousands of Catholics with the Lord. May Pope Francis rest in peace. And may the angels lead him into paradise.”
Diocese of San Jose:…