Pope Francis Death News Live Updates: Vatican sets out nine days of mourning for pope from Saturday

Pope Francis Death News Live: Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, just a day after making a much-anticipated appearance at Saint Peter's Square for Easter Sunday celebrations, the Vatican said in a statement.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," announced Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a message shared by the Vatican on its 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."

Francis's passing came only a day after he brought joy to worshippers by appearing on the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica for Easter Sunday, despite still recovering from a serious illness.

Earlier this year, Francis had faced two close brushes with death due to pneumonia and spent 38 days in hospital before being discharged on March 23.

On Sunday, he greeted the crowds in Saint Peter's Square with a heartfelt "Happy Easter" and, during his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") blessing, called for freedom of thought and tolerance.

13:43 (IST) Apr 21

Pope Francis passes away: How a new pope will be chosen

Pope Francis died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Monday morning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell said the pontiff “returned to the home of the Father” at 7:35am, after a life devoted to the Church and its most vulnerable members.

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13:43 (IST) Apr 21

'His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church': Cardinal Kevin Farrell

Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″

13:41 (IST) Apr 21

This morning at 7:35am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican

13:40 (IST) Apr 21

Pope Francis has died, Vatican says in video statement

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, Vatican officials announced on Monday. The news was delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who is responsible for overseeing the Church's affairs during the interregnum period.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to ascend to the papacy. Elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was known for his emphasis on humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities.

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Pope Francis Death News Live: Pope Francis died on Monday at 88, a day after greeting crowds at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said.

"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.

"This morning at 7:35 am 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."

Francis had been recovering from pneumonia and was recently released after a 38-day hospital stay. On Sunday, he appeared at the Vatican, offering Easter blessings and calling for “freedom of thought and tolerance.”