Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.
The pontiff had been suffering from a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia.
Vatican Cardinal Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday with these words: “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 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 favor of 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 One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, and ascended to the papacy in March 2013 following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict X.
His election marked a historic moment as he became the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope from the Americas.
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