Pope Francis passed away this morning at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death on Easter Monday morning from the Casa Santa Marta.

The Holy Father passed away at 7.35am, with Cardinal Farrell saying that “the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with great sadness that I announce the death of our Father Pope Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the Father’s House.

“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, particularly in favor 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 merciful and boundless love of the One and Triune God.”

(Official announcement of the death of Pope Francis at 9.47am by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Casa Santa Marta)

Just yesterday, Easter Sunday, Pope Francis had appeared on the Vatican balcony to wish the thousands of pilgrims waiting below a Blessed Easter.

File photo/ Malta Curia

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