Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.
“This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement, published by the Vatican.
His death comes after he appeared at St Peter’s Square on Sunday to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.
“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,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell continued his statement.
“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.”
Tributes from around the world have been pouring in, including from King Charles III who met with the Pope privately earlier this month during his state visit to Italy.
The King said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death, adding: “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.”
Meanwhile, the acting head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of York, described him as a “holy man of God” who was “also very human”.
“Francis’s whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve,” Stephen Cottrell said in a statement.
US Vice-President JD Vance, who met the Pope on Easter Sunday, said his “heart goes out” to Christians.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” he said.
The White House said in a post on X: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised him as “great man” and said she had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, advice and teachings.
* Source: BBC News
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