Pope Francis Passes Away

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away. This information was reported by Reuters, citing a statement from the Vatican's official channel.

He was 88 years old and had recently suffered from severe bilateral pneumonia.

«Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis», – Reuters quotes Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Vatican broadcast.

«This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome Francis returned home to the Father»,   - noted the Cardinal.

Thus, as highlighted by Reuters, the often ambiguous papacy marked by division and tension has come to an end, as Francis attempted to reform one of the world's largest religious organizations.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that the 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Roman hospital «Gemelli» with a severe respiratory infection on February 14.

Initially, he was treated for bronchitis, and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

He spent several weeks in the hospital. This deterioration in his health was the most serious in his 12-year papacy.

The head of the Holy See had only a few public appearances after he was discharged from the hospital on March 23 and returned to the Vatican. He missed the solemn services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

On Sunday, April 20, the Pope had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.

Also, on Easter Sunday, the pontiff appeared before the public to bless thousands of people gathered for mass at St. Peter's Square.