Pope Francis Dies at 88

Pope Francis Dies at 88

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

The pontiff was admitted to hospital in February to be treated for pneumonia and spent five weeks undergoing treatment where he suffered “two very critical episodes”.

He was discharged from hospital in late March and has delegated many of his duties while he recovered, including the traditional Easter mass, although he did make an appearance before crowds.

His death was announced on Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”

He added: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI sensationally resigned from the holy post.

Pope Francis, as he became known, was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

His death came after growing concerns about his increasingly frail health.

In accordance with Catholic tradition, Pope Francis must be buried between four and six days after the death, while the official period of mourning is observed for nine days. The period between the death of a pope and the election of a new pope is known as Sede Vacante.

Between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, cardinals aged under 80 arrive at the Vatican to begin the papal conclave, a secretive election process held to determine a successor.

Cardinals must vote in secret ballots until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Once a pope is elected, the dean of the cardinals asks him if he accepts his election, and he is instructed to choose a name.

The papal conclave ends when the new pope disbands it, traditionally after addressing the body of cardinals.