Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday according to Vatican officials.
On Valentine’s Day this year, February 14, the former Pope was reportedly admitted to hospital after suffering from bronchitis treatment.
Few days later, a report by Vatican revealed that he had been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and later had blood transfusions after tests revealed he had low levels of platelets in his blood, which is associated with anaemia.
In a statement officially released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Vatican to confirm the Pope’s demise, he said:
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel.
“At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
A new pope is expected to be announced in the coming days, mostly between 15 to days after his death.
Pope Francis became the first ever pope to have emerged from South America and he is widely remembered for his acceptance of the LGBTQ