The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
According to a statement released on Monday, Pope Francis passed away peacefully in the morning at 7:35 a.m. (local time). Cardinal Kevin Farrell shared the sad news in a message on the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
He said, “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.”
Just one day before his death, Pope Francis had made a surprise appearance at Saint Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday. Many people were happy to see him wave and give his traditional Easter blessing, known as “Urbi et Orbi,” where he spoke about peace, freedom of thought, and tolerance.
Earlier this year, the Pope had been very sick with pneumonia and came close to dying twice. He spent 38 days in the hospital and was discharged on March 23.
