Pope Francis is dead at the age of
88, the Vatican said Monday.
The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff, who became pope in March
2013, had recently spent 38 days in hospital fighting
life-threatening pneumonia.
He had been involved in Easter rites sourring hopes he was on
the mend though had not delivered speeches himself.
Card. Kevin Farrell announced with sorrow the death of Pope
Francis, with these words: "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.
"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 favor of the poorest
and most marginalized.
"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".
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