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The Holy Father, Pope Francis has passed on at his residence in the Vatican, Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) announces.
Through a written communication dated 21st April, Rt Rev Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, president of the Conference, announced the passing of the Holy Father, hours after news broke out on the death of Pope Francis through different main stream media houses both local and international.
“It is with heartfelt sorrow that the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), informs the entire Catholic Church in Malawi of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, which occurred at 7:35 am today, 21st April, 2025” reads the statement.
The Bishops have called on all religious men and women to offer prayers and mass for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed Pontiff.
Earlier in the day before the official announcement of the late Pope’s death by the MCCB, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis through Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.
“At 7:35 (0535 GMT) this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” He said.
Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in the death certificate, which was released by the Vatican that Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible cardiovascular arrest. It went on to say that the pope had fallen into a coma before he died.
Besides his recent lung infection, Arcangeli said Francis had also suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes.
As arrangements for his burial are being made, a Vatican spokesman said the pope’s coffin might be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday morning to allow the faithful to pay their respects.
No date has yet been given for the funeral, but the Vatican said it would normally be expected to take place sometime between Friday and Sunday. A group of cardinals were due to meet on Tuesday to discuss plans.
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