Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement released by the Vatican.
The Pope had been battling with Pneumonia and Bronchitis. After 38 days in the hospital, he was discharged from the hospital on March 23.
The sad statement reads ‘Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am 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.
‘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.’
The pontiff, who was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church, became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.
