Pope Francis Dies at 88; Reaction from St. Patrick's Cathedral

Passing of Pope Francis

• 🕊️ Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.
• 💔 The news follows prayers and well-wishes from around the world as he battled double pneumonia and was hospitalized for approximately 38 days.
• ⛪ A statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed his death at 7:35 AM, stating his life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.

Final Public Appearances

• 🌟 The Pontiff appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for Easter Sunday, his final public appearance.
• 🤝 He also had a brief meeting with Vice President JD Vance, which was his last highest-profile appearance after his hospital discharge.

Previous Stance on Deportation

• ⚠️ In February, Pope Francis had rebuked the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations.
• ⚖️ He warned that the forceful removal of people based on their legal status deprived them of their dignity.

Reaction in New York

• 📍 Eyewitness News reporter Phil Taitt is live at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.
• 😔 Crowds had gathered at the cathedral yesterday for the end of Holy Week and Easter.
• 🗓️ A mass led by Cardinal Dolan is scheduled to begin shortly, with expected reactions from the faithful in the city and globally.