DOVER, DE- Pope Francis died Monday morning at age 88, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection around the world — including from Catholics across Delaware.
The Vatican confirmed his death on April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Though he had been ill in recent weeks, many found the timing of his passing on Easter Monday to be especially symbolic.
Just a day earlier, he made a high-profile appearance at Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, blessing thousands in what would become his final public message.
Hours later, news of the 266th pope’s death spread across the globe.
In Dover, the news stunned local Catholics like Chris Miller, who runs Emmanuele`s Religious Books and Gifts.
“I was really surprised when I heard about it. It’s like, ‘Are you serious?’ First, I thought they were joking, but then he actually took his phone out and showed it to me, and it said, ‘Pope Francis dies, age 88."
Miller, like millions of other Catholics worldwide, had just seen the pope on television the day before and didn’t expect the sudden turn.
“I really didn’t think his health issues were that bad.”
For many, the pope’s death during one of Christianity’s holiest weekends carried deep spiritual weight.
Father Thomas Mercer, bishop of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Dover, said the timing felt meaningful.
“I am sure that Pope Francis wished it that way — for him to be remembered in a loving way by his followers and the members of the Roman Catholic Church.”
The Diocese of Wilmington released a statement honoring his legacy: "The image that most captured the vision that shaped Pope Francis’ papacy was that the Church was called to serve God and the world as a field hospital whose mission was to care for the wounded.”
Francis’ leadership was marked by humility, inclusion, and global outreach.
Mercer said the pope’s progressive values and efforts to open the Church to marginalized communities made him a historic and, at times, controversial figure — but one whose impact is undeniable.
“Although some may not agree theologically with him, they do still respect his primacy and respect the man as a man.”
As Catholics mourn, the Church now looks to the future.
After mourning, all cardinals under the age of 80 will convene for a conclave to elect the next pope. The process typically takes between two and three weeks.
Pope Francis’ legacy — shaped by empathy, inclusivity, and a call to serve — is one that many say will continue to shape the Catholic Church and its followers for generations to come.