The World Peace Organization (WPO) expresses its deepest sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, a revered spiritual leader and recipient of the World Peace Award.
On behalf of the WPO, President Dr. Bambang Herry Purnomo, SH., MH., through the Deputy Secretary General and Presidential Staff for Public Communication and Information, H.E. I. S. Agustiani Agoestian, extends heartfelt condolences to the global community and the Catholic faithful.
The news of Pope Francis’ passing was initially received with disbelief, given the ongoing spread of misinformation. However, after verification with WPO contacts in the Vatican, it was confirmed that Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at 07:35 local time at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City. He was 88 years old.
According to a medical report by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the Pope succumbed to a stroke-induced coma and irreversible cardiac collapse, following complications from bilateral pneumonia. His health was further complicated by a history of acute respiratory failure, bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes.
In accordance with Vatican tradition, the Pope’s passing was marked by the tolling of the bells at St. Peter’s Basilica, while black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling the somber news to the world.
Pope Francis was internationally respected for his compassionate leadership, advocacy for social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. In his final address, he called for peace in Gaza and urged the global faithful to continue praying and supporting one another.
In recognition of his dedication to global harmony, Pope Francis was honored with the World Peace Award by the WPO in 2023. Although unable to attend the award ceremony held on August 27, 2023, at the Sahid Hotel in Jakarta, the award was accepted on his behalf by representatives of the Jakarta Diocese and the Vatican Embassy.
The Vatican will soon convene a Papal Conclave in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals from around the world will gather to elect a new spiritual leader for over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
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