Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pontiff, has died aged 88 in Rome, Vatican officials announced on Easter Monday. "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, during a brief address at the Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 a.m. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Farrell said.
The Vatican said Francis died while undergoing treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he had been admitted since Wednesday, February 14.
His condition was initially reported as stable, but later deteriorated after a respiratory attack.
He had received blood transfusions and remained alert until his final hours.
