Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced with deep sorrow His Holiness’ death at 09:47 hours (local time), a statement released by the Vatican press office noted.

The Holy Father “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized people,” the message expressed.

Francis, the first Latin American pope in history, was characterized by his kindness, courage, and firm convictions, always on the side of the most humble, relentless critic of imperialist policies, wars, racial discrimination, inequality, and policies against immigrants.

He was also a tireless fighter for the defense of the planet and a promoter of actions to fight climate change, deforestation, the dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and many other noble works.

Among the many causes he defended, he repeatedly denounced the US policy against Cuba. He was always at the side of that nation, as was reaffirmed in his meeting in the Vatican with that Caribbean nation’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel on June 20, 2023.

The death of Pope Francis represents a hard blow for humanity and leaves a void in complex moments for the world, although he leaves his inspiring and everlasting example.

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