Pope Francis has passed away aged 88, Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell has announced.
Farrell reported on Monday (21 April): “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.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
The senior official’s statement announced: “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.”
The late pope, who was selected at the age of 76 in 2013 to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936.
Before his passing, the Pope thanked people across the world for their contribution
in a statement made via the Vatican, saying: “I feel all your affection and closeness and, at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all.”
He spent much of February at the Gemelli hospital in Rome after dealing with pneumonia in both of his lungs and later fighting with acute respiratory failure.
It was during his time in hospital, that Pope Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis and kidney issues.
He demanded bl00d transfusions and also a ventilator as he fought to breathe with doctors explaining that his health issues were complex, as he remained in a critical condition.
