21.04.2025 12:01
The death of Pope Francis has resonated widely in the world press, and the fact that the news of his passing came just 7 hours after U.S. Vice President James David Vance's visit to the Vatican is noteworthy. After the meeting, Pope Francis addressed thousands of people from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Pope Francis had been a strong critic of Trump's policies.
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88-year-old Pope Francis, who has been serving as pope for 12 years, passed away this morning at 07:35, with the shocking news announced by the Vatican.
DIED 7 HOURS AFTER THE MEETING
Images of Pope Francis's final moments, who had been struggling with health issues for a long time and could not be saved despite all interventions, made a significant impact. Pope Francis passed away exactly 7 hours after meeting with U.S. Vice President James David Vance at the Vatican.
STATEMENT FROM THE VATICAN
In a statement from the Vatican, it was noted that the two met at the Pope's residence in the Vatican for Easter. The statement said, "Pope Francis had a brief private meeting lasting a few minutes to convey his good wishes on Easter day." A brief statement from Vance's office confirmed the meeting but did not provide details.
CALLED FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
Speaking to thousands gathered for the Easter service from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza. The spiritual leader expressed, "I express my closeness to all the suffering of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. My call to the conflicting parties is this: Declare a ceasefire, release the prisoners, and help the starving people who desire a peaceful future," he said. After the service, the Pope greeted the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square in an open-top vehicle.
HAD CRITICIZED TRUMP'S POLICIES
The Pope and Vatican officials had criticized many policies of the Trump administration, including plans to deport millions of immigrants and cuts to foreign aid and social welfare programs. The Pope had described the harsh anti-immigrant measures as "shameful." Catholic Vance had occasionally clashed with the Pope over the Trump administration's immigration policies.
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