Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Vatican announced the somber news of the passing away of the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, on April 21.

Pope Francis breathed his last at the age of 88 at his residence at 7:35 a.m. Vatican time.

In the death certificate, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli indicated that the cause of death was stroke, followed by a coma and heart failure.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis' death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography, referring to the official certification by Arcangeli to the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City.

Earlier, in early February 2025, the Pope was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital after suffering from bronchitis for several days.

His condition reportedly worsened, and on February 18, the Pope was diagnosed with double pneumonia. The head of the Vatican state returned to his residence after 38 days of hospitalization.

The sorrow over the Pope's death is not only felt by Catholics but also by people of all faiths.

The death of Pope Francis, renowned for his compassion, humility, and warmth toward children, has sparked worldwide mourning, including profound grief in Indonesia.

The beautiful moments shared with the Pope are still alive in the minds of the Indonesian people, especially since the Vatican leader had just visited Indonesia last September.

Indonesians also expressed their condolences while reminiscing about Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

As a tribute, the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta held an open house for residents to express their condolences over the demise of Pope Francis.

Those in attendance could sign a condolence guestbook with messages or hopes. After greeting the Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia, Monsignor (Mgr) Piero Pioppo, and several other staff, attendees were also given photos of Pope Francis as mementos.

Voices of prayers from various elements of Indonesian society prove that the man, born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was loved by many.

Elia, a Jakarta resident who attended the Mass at the Vatican Embassy, expressed that the Pope's passing has brought deep sorrow.

"The Pope wanted us to live in peace, not in luxury, to live simply and love one another. That is the Pope's message to the people of the world," she stated.

Elia said she was grateful for being able to attend the morning Mass at the Vatican Embassy to pray for Pope Francis, despite being unaware of the event, and was simply guided by her intuition to come to the embassy.

The Mass started at around 7 a.m. local time and was solemnly held to pray for Pope Francis.

Elia shared her experience of meeting the Pope.

"I have been to the Vatican three times but never met the Pope. Instead, when he visited Indonesia, I saw him in front of the Cathedral Church and received a Rosary," she recalled.

The 65-year-old woman considered the Pope a humble father who brought peace and loved humanity. This was also reflected in his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

"He was full of love for humanity," she stated.

Agnes, a resident of Depok, West Java, also shared a moment with the Pope. She had seen him in person during his visit to Indonesia, and she spoke of even staying at a police post at City Hall to see him.

Pope was not just a father figure but also a role model, friend, and companion to her.

Agnes said her visit to the Vatican Embassy was to mourn the Pope's passing.

Sister Lita Hasanah, from Ursula, Bandung, West Java, also expressed her condolences.

"We Ursuline Sisters are very saddened by the passing of Father Pope Francis. May he rest in peace," she remarked.

According to Lita, the Ursuline Sisters greatly valued the example set by Pope Francis during his leadership of the Catholic Church worldwide.

Lita viewed the Pope as a figure of simplicity who paid attention not only to specific groups but also to all. Lita said she adored the Pope's principle of simplicity.

Another Jakarta resident, Lia, a Muslim, also came to the Vatican Embassy to express her condolences and prayers over the passing away of Pope Francis.

Lia viewed the Pope as a symbol of friendship among different faiths. Lia said she was impressed by his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pope Francis was the 266th head of the Catholic Church and the leader of the Vatican City State from 2013 until he died in 2025.

In his final Easter address on April 20, 2025, the Pope called for an end to the conflicts occurring in the world.

Pope Francis' funeral Mass will be held in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time.

Pope Francis' body will be taken to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy, where he will be buried according to his wishes.

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