Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in an official statement. His passing came just one day after he made a much-anticipated appearance at Saint Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations.
“This morning at 7:35 a.m. (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement shared via the Vatican’s Telegram channel.
The Pope’s final public appearance was a moment of joy for many of the faithful, who gathered to see him during one of the holiest celebrations in the Christian calendar.