DELAWARE — On Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis. According to the Associated Press, the pope died at 7:35 a.m.
Farrell spoke from Domus Sanctae Marthae, the residence on Vatican grounds where Francis lived and where he had returned to recover after a hospitalization for double pneumonia, the AP reported.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons responded to the Pope's passing saying, "Pope Francis often reminded us that 'we are all in the same boat' – that no one can thrive and live well without the support of others. His ministry was infused with mercy, grace, and love, and particularly in times of strife, he reminded us that through acts of unrestricted kindness we can overcome any storm, any moment of challenge, together."
The AP noted that Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday but delegated the celebration to another cardinal. Before that, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with him briefly. Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fly flags at half-staff.
Governor Matt Meyer referred to the Pope as a revolutionary spiritual leader. "Throughout his service, Pope Francis led with empathy and moral clarity. He brought ancient institutions into dialogue with modern challenges — from climate change to economic inequality to the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals. He met with refugees, washed the feet of prisoners, and embraced those pushed to the margins of society. Like Jesus of Nazareth, he walked with those deemed irredeemable and reminded us all that mercy is greater than judgment."
The Most Reverend William E. Koenig, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington praised the late pontiff’s dedication to the Catholic Church, "his creation of new cardinals from diverse areas from throughout the world. Perhaps the image that most captured the vision that shaped Pope Francis’ papacy was that the church was called to serve God and the world as a field hospital whose mission was to care for the wounded."
The process for the pope’s funeral and the election of his successor is now underway. According to the AP, the conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the sede vacante, the declaration that the papal seat is vacant, although it can begin sooner if the cardinals agree.
Cardinals will vote in secret sessions, with ballots burned in a special stove after each vote. Black smoke will indicate that no pope has been elected, while white smoke will signal that a new leader of the Catholic Church has been chosen.