A profound silence has fallen over St. Peter’s Square as mourners from around the world gather to honour Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88.

The beloved pontiff died peacefully at 7:35 AM at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican confirmed in a statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” the Cardinal shared from the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s Vatican residence.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of 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.”

Pope Francis had been in declining health in recent months. On February 14, he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome after suffering from bronchitis for several days. His condition worsened over the following week, and by February 18, doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia.

According to reports, despite signs of temporary improvement and the Popes return to the Vatican after 38 days of hospitalisation, the Pope never fully recovered. He continued treatment at the Casa Santa Marta but ultimately succumbed to complications related to his illness.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis underwent lung surgery in 1957 during his early twenties to remove a portion of his lung following a severe respiratory infection. Throughout his papacy, he experienced recurring respiratory issues. In November 2023, he cancelled a scheduled trip to the United Arab Emirates due to influenza and inflammation of the lungs.

Pope Francis, who became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, was widely revered for his humility, progressive approach, and unwavering focus on serving the poor and marginalised. He was the first Jesuit Pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European Pope in over 1,200 years.

His passing marks the end of a transformative era in the modern Church.