WEBDESK: Pope Francis, one of the most influential religious leaders of modern times, has passed away at the age of 88, on Monday. The Vatican confirmed his death in a video statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
His death comes a day after he delighted crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still recovering from a severe illness.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013. His historic appointment marked the beginning of a papacy centred around humility, social justice, and church reform.
Pope Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.
He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.
On Sunday he wished the crowds on Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter” as he waved and in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.
As of now, the exact cause of death has not been revealed.
