Pope Francis, known in private life as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Easter Monday, April 21 after prolonged illness.
He passed on at age 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
This was announced by the Vatican in the morning of April 21.
Pope Francis was elected to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013 to succeed Pope Benedict XVI.
Here are key milestones in his life:
Read full statement issued by the Vatican below:
Vatican announces Pope Francis’ death – statement in full
At 7:35 this morning (local time), 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 favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
Farrell adds: “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.”
SOURCE: BBC
