Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church in Rome's capital city, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday, April 21. He was the resident of the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. He was recently admitted to the hospital for his treatment of double pneumonia and recovered.
"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness 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 of His Church," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican's TV channel.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor 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 Apostolic Chamber said.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope in March 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.