Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in an announcement on Monday.
The Holy Father's death was announced at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from Casa Santa Marta.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," the senior Vatican official stated.
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," he added.
On February 14, the Pope was hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic following several days of illness due to bronchitis.
After undergoing several medical tests, Pope Francis’ clinical condition was found to present a “complex picture,” revealing that he had developed bilateral pneumonia.
Following a 38-day hospitalization, the late Pope was discharged and returned to his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta to resume his recovery.
His passing came just a day after he appeared before the faithful at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
In his early 20s, the Argentine-born Pope underwent surgery to remove part of his lung due to a severe respiratory infection.
Since then, he has struggled with recurring respiratory issues, including a bout in November 2023 that forced him to cancel a scheduled visit to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and lung inflammation.
The 266th Pope of the Catholic Church was elected in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The latter stepped down due to declining health.
