Pope Francis has died, the Vatican announced on Monday—after months of severe health ailments, including a bout of severe pneumonia—ending a more than decade-long reign during which the Roman Catholic Church witnessed several key shifts.
Pope Francis waves to the faithful during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican ... More
Francis’ death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the top administrator of the office of the Holy See, who said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, was 88-years-old.
“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,” Farrell said in his announcement mourning the Pope’s death.
This is a developing story.