Pope Francis dies at 88, Church enters period of mourning
The Vatican announces the passing of the first Latin American pope after a 12-year papacy
VATICAN CITY (MNTV) — Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in a formal announcement.
The exact cause of death has not been disclosed. Pope Francis had been battling health issues for years, including chronic lung disease.
Earlier this year, he spent 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected pope in 2013 after the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His papacy ushered in a new era of reform and openness within the 2,000-year-old institution, addressing social issues and emphasizing compassion and humility.
The Vatican has begun preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope.
The process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, will see eligible cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel to select the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
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