• About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Monday, June 23, 2025
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Header Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 football team celebrates 2025 championship win

    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 Triumphs in Championship

    Concrete truck and motorcycle at the scene of Bexon fatal motorcycle crash

    Bexon fatal motorcycle crash: 1 dead after concrete truck collision

    Ernest Hilaire and brother Paul Hilaire linked to Bananes payout scandal

    Bananes payout scandal: Was Hilaire’s brother the mastermind?

    Darby Ettiene found dead in Black Bay pictured in white shirt and sunglasses

    Darby Ettiene Found Dead in Black Bay with Throat Slashed

    Kunta dies suddenly in Gros Islet; photo shows Stephen “Kunta” William days before his unexpected death on Chapel Street.

    Kunta Dies Suddenly in Gros Islet; Body Found on Chapel Street

    Denver Felix was fatally shot during Marchand violence on Sunday, June 8, 2025

    Marchand Violence Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured Weekend Attack

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 football team celebrates 2025 championship win

    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 Triumphs in Championship

    Nicole David dies at 51 after cancer battle, Saint Lucia mourns soca icon

    Devastating Loss: Nicole David Dies at 51 After Cancer Battle

    Sulphur Springs mineral baths in Soufriere as Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise

    Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise: SRDF Announces New Visitor Rates

    Aerial view of Point Hardy Golf Club’s dramatic cliffside green at Cabot St Lucia, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 5 international courses.

    Cabot St Lucia Debuts in Golfweek Top 5 for Point Hardy Golf Club

    Jady Emmanuel crosses the finish line to win 100m sprint gold for Saint Lucia at CARIFTA 2025

    Jady Emmanuel makes history: Double gold for St Lucia at CARIFTA

    Emrand Matthew deepens Dennery SLP divide with Facebook outburst

    Explosive Dennery SLP Divide? Fond D’Or Jazz Shakeup Sparks Infighting

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Air India Flight 171 crash wreckage with tail debris and crowd in Ahmedabad

    Air India Flight 171 Crash Kills 242 in Ahmedabad

    Cover of the St Lucia tourism slide report showing Piton backdrop and beach resort – April 2025

    St Lucia tourism slide deepens amid government inaction

    Trump travel ban 2025 with U.S. State Department seal and American flag

    Trump Travel Ban: Sweeping New Restrictions on 19 Nations

    Sulphur Springs mineral baths in Soufriere as Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise

    Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise: SRDF Announces New Visitor Rates

    Illustration of a young St Lucian looking through a gate, symbolizing how St Lucians are opting out due to lack of opportunity.

    Why St Lucians are opting out: economic collapse fuels exodus

    US embassy visa warning over Caribbean birth tourism misuse shown with close-up of visa.

    US Embassy visa warning targets Caribbean birth tourism

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 football team celebrates 2025 championship win

    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 Triumphs in Championship

    Concrete truck and motorcycle at the scene of Bexon fatal motorcycle crash

    Bexon fatal motorcycle crash: 1 dead after concrete truck collision

    Ernest Hilaire and brother Paul Hilaire linked to Bananes payout scandal

    Bananes payout scandal: Was Hilaire’s brother the mastermind?

    Darby Ettiene found dead in Black Bay pictured in white shirt and sunglasses

    Darby Ettiene Found Dead in Black Bay with Throat Slashed

    Kunta dies suddenly in Gros Islet; photo shows Stephen “Kunta” William days before his unexpected death on Chapel Street.

    Kunta Dies Suddenly in Gros Islet; Body Found on Chapel Street

    Denver Felix was fatally shot during Marchand violence on Sunday, June 8, 2025

    Marchand Violence Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured Weekend Attack

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 football team celebrates 2025 championship win

    Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 Triumphs in Championship

    Nicole David dies at 51 after cancer battle, Saint Lucia mourns soca icon

    Devastating Loss: Nicole David Dies at 51 After Cancer Battle

    Sulphur Springs mineral baths in Soufriere as Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise

    Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise: SRDF Announces New Visitor Rates

    Aerial view of Point Hardy Golf Club’s dramatic cliffside green at Cabot St Lucia, ranked among Golfweek’s Top 5 international courses.

    Cabot St Lucia Debuts in Golfweek Top 5 for Point Hardy Golf Club

    Jady Emmanuel crosses the finish line to win 100m sprint gold for Saint Lucia at CARIFTA 2025

    Jady Emmanuel makes history: Double gold for St Lucia at CARIFTA

    Emrand Matthew deepens Dennery SLP divide with Facebook outburst

    Explosive Dennery SLP Divide? Fond D’Or Jazz Shakeup Sparks Infighting

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Air India Flight 171 crash wreckage with tail debris and crowd in Ahmedabad

    Air India Flight 171 Crash Kills 242 in Ahmedabad

    Cover of the St Lucia tourism slide report showing Piton backdrop and beach resort – April 2025

    St Lucia tourism slide deepens amid government inaction

    Trump travel ban 2025 with U.S. State Department seal and American flag

    Trump Travel Ban: Sweeping New Restrictions on 19 Nations

    Sulphur Springs mineral baths in Soufriere as Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise

    Sulphur Springs and Jetty Fees to Rise: SRDF Announces New Visitor Rates

    Illustration of a young St Lucian looking through a gate, symbolizing how St Lucians are opting out due to lack of opportunity.

    Why St Lucians are opting out: economic collapse fuels exodus

    US embassy visa warning over Caribbean birth tourism misuse shown with close-up of visa.

    US Embassy visa warning targets Caribbean birth tourism

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Mobile Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
Home News Religion

Pope Francis dead at 88: Global Church begins search for new leader

Unitedpac by Unitedpac
April 21, 2025 - Updated on May 8, 2025
in World, Obituary, Religion
Reading Time: 5 mins read
101 3
A A
0
Pope Francis dead at 88 during Easter week service at the Vatican

Pope Francis, pictured during a Vatican Easter service

23
SHARES
232
VIEWS
Share Share Reddit

VATICAN CITY (April 21, 2025) — Pope Francis dead at 88 marks the end of a historic papacy that reshaped the Catholic Church and inspired global calls for compassion. The first Latin American pope passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday at his Vatican residence, following complications from double pneumonia. His death initiates the formal process to elect a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the pope’s death in an official statement shared via the Vatican’s digital platforms. The Roman Catholic Church has now entered an official mourning period.

ADVERTISEMENT

‘People’s pope’ remembered for compassion and reform

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who had resigned weeks earlier — the first papal resignation in nearly six centuries. Francis became the first Jesuit, the first non-European in over 1,200 years, and the first Latin American pontiff.

Often referred to as the “people’s pope,” Francis used his global platform to emphasize humility, social justice, and mercy. He drew praise for championing the rights of the poor and displaced, promoting interfaith dialogue, and sounding the alarm on climate change. His encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti became cornerstones of his spiritual and moral leadership.

According to Al Jazeera, Francis’s papacy was characterized by his approachable demeanor and efforts to strip away the Church’s bureaucratic opacity, offering a fresh voice for ordinary believers.

ADVERTISEMENT

French President Emmanuel Macron called him a defender “of the most vulnerable,” while Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin praised his “unwavering commitment to peace and human dignity.”

Allen Chastanet pays tribute to Pope Francis dead at 88
Saint Lucia Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet

In St Lucia, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet issued a public tribute, stating: “In a world often divided, he was a bridge-builder, a shepherd of compassion who reminded us of our shared humanity and the boundless power of mercy and humility. Whether speaking out for the poor, embracing those on the margins, or calling on us all to care for our planet, Pope Francis lived his faith with courage, grace, and deep conviction. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit continue to guide us toward justice, dignity, and hope for all.”

Global tributes pour in as Pope Francis dead at 88 shakes the Catholic world

The pope’s death comes just one day after his final public appearance at Easter Mass in St Peter’s Square. Though visibly frail, he waved to thousands of worshippers and offered a brief “Happy Easter” before aides read his final benediction.

His death has prompted tributes from leaders around the world and shocked many observers, as the pontiff had remained active despite his ailing health.

Francis had been discharged from Gemelli Hospital just weeks earlier following a 38-day stay for treatment of double pneumonia. He later defied doctors’ recommendations by continuing pastoral visits, including one to a Roman prison.

Final appearance and health struggles before his passing

Francis’s later years were marked by persistent health issues. He underwent colon surgery in 2021, hernia surgery in 2023, and suffered frequent bouts of bronchitis and knee pain that required the use of a wheelchair. Still, he remained determined to serve, reportedly saying during Easter, “I am living it as best I can.”

The timing of his passing — less than 24 hours after his Easter message — left many in St Peter’s Square and around the world stunned.

Global impact and controversial reforms define his legacy

Pope Francis made landmark changes in Church doctrine and tone. He declared the death penalty inadmissible under any circumstance, condemned the possession of nuclear weapons as immoral, and advocated for the humane treatment of migrants and refugees. His outreach to LGBTQ Catholics and endorsement of civil unions sparked debate within the Church, especially among traditionalists.

Yet his papacy also drew criticism. He maintained conservative positions on abortion and clerical celibacy and faced backlash for his initial mishandling of a major sexual abuse scandal in Chile in 2018 — a case that reignited scrutiny of the Roman Catholic Church’s accountability under his leadership.

Even in his final days, he continued diplomatic efforts, meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. “Release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people,” he declared during his Easter address.

His death leaves a significant void in Roman Catholic Church leadership, ushering in a period of reflection and transition as the Church prepares for its next chapter.

What comes next: Conclave and succession plans underway

In accordance with Vatican Conclave tradition, Francis’s papal ring will be destroyed, and a funeral is expected to take place within the next six days. He will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, per his request for a modest ceremony.

The Vatican conclave 2025 will see cardinals under the age of 80 gather in secrecy to elect the next pope. Once chosen, the new pontiff will be introduced from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica — a moment expected to draw global attention.

Until then, the Roman Catholic Church enters a solemn period of mourning and anticipation, honoring the legacy of a pope who redefined the spiritual direction of a global institution.

For continued updates on this developing story and other top headlines from around the region and the world, stay with Unitedpac St Lucia News.

Tags: Allen Chastanet tribute PopeCatholic Church leadershipLatin American pope legacyPapal transition 2025Pope Francis deathSpiritual leadership newsVatican conclave 2025

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Unsubscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Update: Police Identify Tommy Joseph aka Tomchu as Fond Assau Homicide Victim

Next Post

Explosive Dennery SLP Divide? Fond D’Or Jazz Shakeup Sparks Infighting

Related Posts

Kunta dies suddenly in Gros Islet; photo shows Stephen “Kunta” William days before his unexpected death on Chapel Street.

Kunta Dies Suddenly in Gros Islet; Body Found on Chapel Street

June 12, 2025
1k
Air India Flight 171 crash wreckage with tail debris and crowd in Ahmedabad

Air India Flight 171 Crash Kills 242 in Ahmedabad

June 12, 2025
446
Trump travel ban 2025 with U.S. State Department seal and American flag

Trump Travel Ban: Sweeping New Restrictions on 19 Nations

June 4, 2025
640
US imposes visa ban on Central America officials over Cuba labor program

US imposes visa ban on Central America officials over Cuba ties

June 4, 2025
516
Nicole David dies at 51 after cancer battle, Saint Lucia mourns soca icon

Devastating Loss: Nicole David Dies at 51 After Cancer Battle

June 2, 2025
1.7k
US embassy visa warning over Caribbean birth tourism misuse shown with close-up of visa.

US Embassy visa warning targets Caribbean birth tourism

May 24, 2025
549
Next Post
Emrand Matthew deepens Dennery SLP divide with Facebook outburst

Explosive Dennery SLP Divide? Fond D'Or Jazz Shakeup Sparks Infighting

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Stay Connected

  • 22.4k Fans
  • 873 Followers
  • 13.5k Subscribers
  • 2.6k Followers
  • 41 Followers
  • 2.3k Followers
ADVERTISEMENT

Top Stories

Concrete truck and motorcycle at the scene of Bexon fatal motorcycle crash

Bexon fatal motorcycle crash: 1 dead after concrete truck collision

June 14, 2025
3.1k
Ernest Hilaire and brother Paul Hilaire linked to Bananes payout scandal

Bananes payout scandal: Was Hilaire’s brother the mastermind?

June 14, 2025
626
Darby Ettiene found dead in Black Bay pictured in white shirt and sunglasses

Darby Ettiene Found Dead in Black Bay with Throat Slashed

June 12, 2025 - Updated on June 13, 2025
892
Denver Felix was fatally shot during Marchand violence on Sunday, June 8, 2025

Marchand Violence Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured Weekend Attack

June 12, 2025
519
Unitedpac St. Lucia News logo

Unitedpac St Lucia News is Saint Lucia's leading online source for St Lucia news, breaking news, and top stories, with updates from the Caribbean, US, and around the world. Our platform offers in-depth coverage of local events, government, business, sports, and culture, paired with daily videos that bring Saint Lucia's vibrant scenery and community to life. We are committed to delivering reliable, engaging news and sharing stories that matter most to our readers. Stay connected with Unitedpac St Lucia News for updates that inform and inspire.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Commentary
  • Entertainment
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
  • Politics
  • Press Releases
  • Tech
  • World

Recent News

Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 football team celebrates 2025 championship win

Saint Lucia Sports Academy U-16 Triumphs in Championship

June 19, 2025
Concrete truck and motorcycle at the scene of Bexon fatal motorcycle crash

Bexon fatal motorcycle crash: 1 dead after concrete truck collision

June 14, 2025
Ernest Hilaire and brother Paul Hilaire linked to Bananes payout scandal

Bananes payout scandal: Was Hilaire’s brother the mastermind?

June 14, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Local News
    • Justice
    • Crime
    • Caribbean News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    • Education
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Saint Lucia Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Travel
    • Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.