The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88.
His death was confirmed by the Vatican in an official announcement made via its X handle early Monday morning. The Vatican stated that the Holy Father passed away peacefully in his residence.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history on March 13, 2013, when he became the first Latin American pontiff and the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness 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,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said during a broadcast on the Vatican’s official TV channel.
The late pope had been battling health issues in recent years, including a severe case of double pneumonia which he narrowly survived.
Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the Vatican in the coming hours.