After spending more than a month in the hospital with double pneumonia, His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church died early Monday morning in Rome, having dedicated a lifetime to the service of God. The Vatican announced that he had emerged from convalescence to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on Easter.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the following statement:
“We join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His courageous and compassionate leadership has blessed countless lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who looked to him for inspiration and counsel. As the world pauses to remember his example of forgiveness and service, we feel deep gratitude for the goodness of a life well lived and rejoice in the hope of a glorious resurrection made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
In the United States, flags will be a half-mast in commemoration of the Pope’s life and work.
