Pope Francis Dies at 88

Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, is dead, the Vatican announced on Monday. He passed on at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. 

According to the release, his death followed the severe complications he suffered as a result of his recent bout with double pneumonia over which he spent five weeks in hospital.

"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 of 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," the Vatican statement announced Monday.

The Pope was earlier admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on early February after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. His condition worsened following the diagnosis bilateral pneumonia four days after being admitted to the hospital. 

However, he returned to his Vatican home after 38 days to continue his recovery. Over the period, he continued to preside over outdoor mass and other duties until Easter Sunday Mass during which he was barely able to offer any distinctive prayer. 

Known for being a voice for the poor, Pope Francis was elected to oversee the affairs of the Vatican and global catholic community in 2013 following the retirement of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

He was the first Latin American to occupy the position after which he adopted the name Pope Francis.

He was before then the Archbishop of Buenos Aires where he was known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio