Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.
His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, announced the Pope’s death stating: “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. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
The Cardinal added: “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.”
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stood down.
Francis recently left hospital where he was admitted on February 14 after having difficulty breathing.
He had been suffering from a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.
His death triggers the start of the solemn process to elect a new pope, beginning with the papal funeral in the coming days and end with a plume of white smoke emanating from the Sistine Chapel.
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