Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88 after health problems, ANSA reports.
Pope Francis passed away in Rome, at Casa Santa Marta, where he had been transferred after being discharged from the Gemelli hospital.
The news of his passing was given by Cardinal Farrell who stated: “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 07:35 the Bishop of Rome returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and 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.”
Yesterday, Easter Sunday, (April 20), he participated in the celebrations of the Mass and appeared in the loggia of St. Peter’s for the Urbi et Orbi blessing. He then made the rounds among the crowd to greet the faithful.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the first Jesuit to become Pope and the first Pope from the American continent.
