Worldwide mourning for the death of Pope Francis

The world learned today the sad news that Pope Francis, who dedicated his entire life to defending the noblest causes and serving humanity, passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time.

At 9:47 a.m. local time this Monday, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced with profound sorrow the death of the Supreme Pontiff, according to a statement released by the Vatican press office.

The Holy Father "taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized," the statement reads.

Francis, the first Latin American pope in history, was characterized by his kindness, courage, and firm convictions, always standing by the humblest, a relentless critic of imperialist policies, wars, racial discrimination, inequality, and anti-immigrant policies.

A tireless fighter for the defense of the planet and promoter of actions to confront climate change, deforestation, the dangers of Artificial Intelligence, and many other noble endeavors.

Among the many causes he championed, he repeatedly denounced US policy against Cuba and always stood by his people, as reaffirmed in his meeting at the Vatican with the president of that Caribbean nation, Miguel Díaz-Canel, on June 20, 2023.

On January 14 of that year, the Bishop of Rome sent a message to the people of Cuba on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of John Paul II's visit to the island, in which he thanked them for "this example of collaboration and mutual aid that unites them."

On July 12, 2023, he expressed that "Cuba is a symbol; Cuba has a great history," adding that "I love the Cuban people very much."

The death of Pope Francis represents a severe blow to humanity and leaves a void in complex times for the world, although he also leaves us his work and his inspiring, everlasting example.