Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and the first to address the United States Congress, died on Easter Monday at age 88.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
The pope died after having respiratory issues, including a bout with pneumonia that had led to an extended hospital stay.
