Colombo, April 21 -- The world including Sri Lanka received the news about the demise of Pope Francis, the spiritual head of 1.4 billion Catholics in the world making thousands across the globe to express their sadness on social media and through other means.

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis around 11.30 local time and 7.30 Roman time.

Pope Francis, who was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, died at the age of 88. He was battling respiratory conditions for weeks and was hospitalised during early March.

The Archdiocese of Colombo joined the Universal Church in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who returned to the House of the Father on Easter Monday, 2025-04-21, this morning, at the age of 88. "All ch...