The Vatican has released a statement expressing its "deep sorrow" after it announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 this morning - just a day after delivering his Easter Sunday message to Catholics around the world.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he made history as the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
During his 12-year papacy, he faced a number of health challenges.
In late February, he experienced a "prolonged respiratory crisis" that required high-flow oxygen support, followed by what was described as an "initial, mild" case of kidney failure.
During his 12-year papacy, the Pope faced a number of health challenges
ReutersIn a statement, His Eminence Cardinal Farrell shared the sad news of Pope Francis's passing.
He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
"At 7:35 this morning, 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 favor of the poorest and most marginalized.
MORE LIKE THIS:
Pope delivering his last message on Easter Sunday
GETTY
"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."
A nine-day period of official mourning will now follow. However, the historic conclave - during which cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope - will not begin for at least 15 days from today.
The Vatican Chamberlain, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will first officially confirm Pope Francis’s death by calling his name three times at his bedside.
Following tradition, the Pope’s office and private quarters will be sealed, and the papal fisherman’s ring will be removed from his finger and ceremonially destroyed with a hammer.
The Pope will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
GETTY
His body will then be dressed in red liturgical robes and a white mitre, before being transported to St Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state for three days.
The funeral will be held within six days. Unlike most of his predecessors, however, Pope Francis will not be buried in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s. Instead, he will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in Rome’s Esquilino district.
Pope Francis selected one of the four major papal basilicas as his final resting place- a site that was once the burial place of seven popes, from Honorius III in 1216 to Clement IX in 1669.
However, the majority of popes, including Francis’s immediate predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, have traditionally been interred beneath St Peter’s Basilica.
Francis made his burial wishes known in 2023.
In another departure from custom, updated rites introduced last year state that he will be buried in a single wooden casket lined with zinc.
