RIP Pope Francis

[George 1978]

Pope Francis, the Pontiff and leader of the world's Catholics, has sadly died aged 88 at 7.35 am local time on Easter Monday. I am going to try and keep this brief and leave it like this.

I have to admit that although his health was failing, it was still such a shock that it happened just one day after Easter Sunday - making me wonder what would have happened had the news happened on Sunday, and it have it on the news - it's a bit like watching a monarch's annual message on TV at 3.00 pm on Christmas Day and hearing the news of them passing away on Boxing Day to be honest. I recorded the Easter Urbi Et Orbi from BBC One on my Sky EPG at 11.00 am BST on Easter Sunday, and although I haven't watched it yet, I have decided to keep it on my list of recordings as a mark of respect.

Just like the announcement of death of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, he was such a prominent figure in the world for obvious reasons. I am not a Catholic as such but I respected the Pope - I was actually one of very few people who was born when Pope John Paul I was in the Vatican.

My heart goes to all Catholics out there on what is a very sad day for Christianity. God bless.

[andrec]

Such a shock that Pope Francis has passed away just one day after his Easter message and blessing babies. I thought it was a sign that his health had improved. Well, he always seemed a very decent and caring man to me, and he did his duty to the very end. May he rest in peace.

[Richard1978]

Sad news as he seemed to be out of trouble health wise & was conducting official business just yesterday.

It looks like the funeral will be in a week & the vote for a new Pope a week or so after that.