Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announces.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said Pope Francis died Monday morning.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell added.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
The pontiff’s death came one day after he made a brief appearance before thousands of people gathered at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.
His traditional Easter address was read by an aide while he sat in a wheelchair, watching. Later, he was driven around St Peter’s Square.
The Pope, who suffered from chronic lung disease, was hospitalized in February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
After five weeks of treatment, he was discharged from hospital last month.
The new Pope has to be chosen by the Catholic Church’s most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals.
Condolences pour in after Pope’s death
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei offered condolences following the death of Pope Francis.
“My colleagues have just informed me of the news ... I offer my condolences to all Christians around the world,” he said during a press conference.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Pope Francis had always been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile” and fought for “more justice.”
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter called the pontiff “a great spiritual leader” and a “tireless advocate for peace,” saying his “legacy will remain.”
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a statement that the Pope “was a role model for many – Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply pained” by the passing of Pope Francis, noting that he “will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Pope “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "a great man has left us" in a statement.
However, Pope Francis was accused of failing to defend traditional Catholic beliefs on key issues such as abortion and divorce, as well as creating confusion over established Church doctrine.
