Tue Apr 22 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Dies at 88; “Speak Your Mind” Ice Bucket Challenge Goes Viral for Mental Health
**VATICAN CITY/DANVILLE, VA** – Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His pontificate was marked by significant reforms and overcoming internal resistance within the Catholic Church. Separately, a renewed ice bucket challenge, dubbed the “Speak Your Mind” challenge, is gaining traction across the country to raise awareness for mental health.
The challenge, originating from the University of South Carolina’s Mind Club, encourages participants to film themselves enduring an ice-cold bucket of water, then nominate others to participate. The initiative supports Active Minds, a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health awareness and support. Local participation includes E.C. Glass High School’s lacrosse team, demonstrating the challenge’s growing reach across various communities and demographics. Brett Curtis, Director of Community Fundraising for Active Minds, highlighted the positive response, emphasizing the importance of open conversations surrounding mental health struggles. He even issued a challenge to ABC 13 news staff to join the cause.
First Piper 