Pope Francis, the first Latin American to become leader of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican announced.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the Pope’s death from Casa Santa Marta with the following statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow 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 devoted 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 for the poorest and most marginalized. 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 Triune God.”
The Pontiff, who became pope in 2013, had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, after suffering from bronchitis for several days. Following 38 days of treatment, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue to his recovery.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis rode the Pope Mobile and even met with some world leaders.
