NThe news of Pope Francis’s death today at the age of 88 at the Vatican was met with a poignant tribute from the bishop who succeeded Cardinal Américo Aguiar at the helm of the Lisbon 2023 World Youth Day (WYD) Foundation. The bishop reflected on the pope’s visit to Portugal for the WYD and the profound impact of his message of hope, joy, and peace during what was the last WYD of his pontificate.
“Thank you, Pope Francis! At the WYD, in Portugal and in Lisbon, you made yourself a pilgrim with us, summoning us to the urgency of transforming the world into a Common Home, committing us to build the Church as a path for all, (…) you sowed with all the young people a seed of Hope,” wrote Alexandre Palma in a message sent to agency Lusa.
Pope Francis passed away today at 88 years old, having suffered a stroke, marking the end of his 12-year pontificate.
Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church.
His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, the day before his passing. Pope Francis had been hospitalized for 38 days due to bilateral pneumonia and was discharged on March 23.
Portugal has declared three days of national mourning.
