
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff who redefined the role of the Catholic Church in modern society, died early on Easter Monday at the age of 88 — just hours after making a surprise appearance in St Peter's Square to bless crowds during one of Christianity's holiest days.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope passed away at 7:35am on Monday, 21 April, following a prolonged battle with respiratory illness. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered the announcement from the chapel at the Domus Santa Marta, the Pope's Vatican residence.