Pope Francis dies at 88 following long illness

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, after suffering complications from pneumonia.

The Vatican confirmed his death this morning, bringing to a close a papacy that spanned more than a decade.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, made the formal announcement from Casa Santa Marta on Monday.

“With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” said Farrell.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalised. 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 the One and Triune God,” Farrell added.

Francis was hospitalised on 14 February at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic with bronchitis. His condition worsened, and doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on 18 February. After 38 days in hospital, he returned to Casa Santa Marta to recover.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he had a portion of his lung removed in 1957 following a serious infection. In recent years, he struggled with respiratory illness and cancelled a visit to the UAE in late 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.