In what was meant to be a day of hope and resurrection, this Easter has turned somber as the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis passed away just 30 minutes ago in his private residence.

According to the fictional statement released by the Holy See, the beloved pontiff passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by close aides and members of the clergy. He was 88 years old in this imagined account.

“He left this world with a prayer on his lips and peace in his heart,” said Cardinal Giovanni Morelli in a fictional press briefing. “Even in his final moments, he reminded us that love, compassion, and humility must prevail.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his deep humility, progressive outlook, and tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized.

His final Easter message, delivered just hours before his fictional passing, spoke of forgiveness, unity, and enduring faith even in times of darkness — a message that now takes on a deeply emotional tone for millions around the world.

Across Rome, church bells tolled solemnly in this imagined reality. Thousands have gathered silently in St. Peter’s Square, lighting candles and reciting prayers, while the world mourns a spiritual leader who, even in fiction, touched countless lives.

A period of mourning has been declared in this fictional narrative, and preparations for a ceremonial farewell at the Vatican Basilica are imagined to be underway.

As the world grieves, one truth echoes louder than fiction: Pope Francis — even as a character in a story — reminds us what it means to serve with love.