Pope Francis has passed away on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in an official statement.
His death comes just one day after his much-anticipated appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement released via the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
Despite recovering from a severe illness, Pope Francis had delighted worshippers on Sunday with a brief appearance on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
He greeted the crowd with a warm “Happy Easter” and delivered his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) benediction, during which he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.
Earlier this year, the pontiff had faced two near-death experiences due to pneumonia and spent 38 days in the hospital. He was discharged on March 23.