“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” the official word came from the Vatican this morning.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced, at 9:45 a.m.

He continued:

His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of 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.

Born in Argentina Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.