The Vatican announced on Monday the death of Pope Francis in a recorded statement.
The Pope passed away at the age of 88 after suffering from various health conditions during his 12-year papacy.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated in the Vatican’s announcement: “This morning at 07:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house.”
In his final appearance, Pope Francis entered St. Peter’s Square in an open-top vehicle on Sunday for the first time since being treated for double pneumonia, greeting tens of thousands of Catholics after the Vatican’s Easter Mass.
He appeared seated on a raised chair at the back of the white vehicle, while crowds along the square’s aisles chanted “Long live the Pope.”
He waved with his hands but raised them only slightly.
Pope Francis, who had been performing only limited duties in his final days as per doctors’ orders, did not lead the Easter Mass at the Vatican but appeared at the end of the event to deliver his Easter message to the city of Rome and the world.
