The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This was reported by news outlets from the Vatican.
He was 88 years old and had recently suffered from severe bilateral pneumonia.
«Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,» – quotes Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
«This morning at 7:35, Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the House of the Father,» - noted the Cardinal.
According to reports, this marks the end of a complex papacy that was characterized by division and tension, as Francis sought to reform one of the world's largest religious organizations.
Earlier, it was reported that the 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection.
Initially, he was treated for bronchitis, but later he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
He spent several weeks in the hospital, with this health decline being the most serious during his papacy.
After being discharged from the hospital on March 23, the Pope had only a few public appearances. He missed significant services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
On Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.
Additionally, on Easter Sunday, the pontiff appeared before the public to bless thousands gathered for Mass in St. Peter's Square.