Pope Francis died Monday at 7:35 a.m. local time (1:35 a.m. EDT), the Vatican confirmed through Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
“The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell said, describing the Pope as a faithful servant who lived the Gospel with courage and compassion, especially for the poor and marginalized.
Francis had recently spent 38 days in hospital with bilateral pneumonia and was discharged on March 23. Despite his frail health, he appeared in a wheelchair on Easter Sunday to deliver his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing to thousands in St. Peter’s Square.
He also made a surprise visit to the basilica the night before to pray and greet pilgrims.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in 2013. A reform-minded leader, he will be remembered for his focus on social justice, humility, and dialogue.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis’s funeral will take place in nine days, with the conclave to elect his successor to be held within the next month.
