We have received tragic news regarding the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This information is reported by Reuters, citing official channels from the Vatican.

The Pope was 88 years old and had recently battled a severe case of double pneumonia.

«Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis», – stated Cardinal Kevin Farrell during a broadcast by Vatican TV, as reported by Reuters.

«This morning at 7:35 AM, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s home»,   - added the cardinal.

Thus, as emphasized by Reuters, the often controversial papacy has come to an end, marked by divisions and tensions as Francis attempted to reform one of the world’s largest religious organizations.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital in Rome due to a severe respiratory infection on February 14.

Initially, he was treated for bronchitis, but later diagnosed with double pneumonia.

He spent several weeks in the hospital, and this deterioration in his health was the most serious he faced in his 12 years of papacy.

After being discharged on March 23, he made only a few public appearances, missing significant Easter services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

On Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.

Additionally, on Easter Sunday, the pontiff appeared before the public to bless thousands gathered for mass in St. Peter's Square.