- The first ever pontiff to emerge from Latin America, Pope Francis, has passed at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced the sad development, saying the Pope died on Easter Monday, at 07.35 local time.
Pope Francis had not been in good health in the last couple of months as he battled double pneumonia, missing death narrowly once or twice during hospitalisation.
He was discharged recently from hospital after five weeks of treatment for an infection.
The Pope’s demise has set in motion the centuries-old process of electing a new Pope.
Catholics around the world are saddened by Pope Francis’ death. Mourners are gathering in St Peter’s Square, with many expressing a profound sense of shock and saddened.
The BBC reported that one of its reporters saw people crying in the street.
Tributes are pouring from world leaders who, though mourn the Pope’s passing, eulogise his contributions to world peace and development of people across the world.
