Day after Christians celebrate resurrection of Jesus, Catholic world loses 'Papa'

A day after the world celebrated Easter, an important day for members of the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after a 40-day season of prayer known as Lent, on Easter Monday, the Vatican was engulfed by a sombre mood.

On this second day of the Eastertide, the world woke up to the news of Pope's death with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announcing the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The head of Catholic Church, 88, was battling a bout of bronchitis for several days and returned to his Vatican residence on March 23 after spending 38 days at the hospital for treatment.

His health had been a concern for some time and he also missed the Easter Mass in the piazza this Sunday. However, the Pope imparted the apostolic blessing in Latin after the mass ended on Easter.

On Sunday, Pope wished the people who gathered at the Saint Peter's Square "Happy Easter". Francis delegated the reading of his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") benediction to an associate.

Reacting to the death of Pope Francis, US Vice President J D Vance said, "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him."

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"I was happy to see him yesterday (Sunday), though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the.... homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.

"He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace."

Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy mourned the departure of "a great man, a great shepherd". "I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased not even during times of trial and suffering," Meloni said in a statement.