Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced. “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 Eiffel Tower’s landmark illuminations will be switched off on Monday night in memory of Pope Francis who died aged 88, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said.
City hall was planning to name a site in the French capital after Francis who, she said, had placed “ecology at the centre of spiritual concerns” and had argued in favour of “welcoming refugees”.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa offered his “deep condolences” to Catholics in the country and worldwide.
He said in a statement: “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.
“As the leader of the Church and a global figurehead, Pope Francis advanced a world view of inclusion, equality and care for marginalised individuals and groups, as well as responsible and sustainable custody of the natural environment.”
