Pope Francis, a pioneering reformer from Argentina who shook the foundations of the Catholic Church by championing the rights of the marginalized and inspiring progressive ideals, has passed away at the age of 88, according to the Vatican.
The Vatican announced the Pope’s death in a statement released during the early hours of Monday, according to Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” the Cardinal said.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized,” he added.
Francis’ body will lie in state in an open coffin at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, a sacred site for Christians where popes have been buried for over a century. However, following Francis’ wishes, he will be interred at the historic Basilica of St. Mary Major, located outside the Vatican walls.
A new pope will be elected by a conclave of cardinals, who will gather at the Vatican in strict seclusion.
In his final years, Francis struggled with various health issues, including diverticulitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, which often left him weakened and reliant on a wheelchair or canes; at times, his aides had to read his speeches due to his shortness of breath.
His successor will be chosen during a conclave, a gathering of cardinals who are charged with electing a new pope in strict seclusion at the Vatican.
Francis struggled with various health issues, including diverticulitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, towards the end of his life, which left him weakened and reliant on a wheelchair or canes, and at times unable to read his own speeches due to breathlessness.
