The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of the Vatican State, passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time at the age of 88.

In an official statement, Cardinal Joseph Farrell said:
"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the passing of our Holy Father, Francis. At 7:35 this morning, Pope Francis returned to the house of the Lord. He dedicated his entire life to serving God and the Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love — especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized."

Pope Francis had been in a period of recovery after being discharged on March 23 from Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he had received 38 days of treatment for bilateral pneumonia during February and March.

AA