The Roman Catholic Church and faithful around the world are in mourning today following the passing of Pope Francis, who died early Monday morning at the age of 88.

The Vatican officially confirmed his death in a solemn statement delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” he said during a televised address on Vatican Media. “At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

The Argentine pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. Revered for his humility, social justice advocacy, and calls for reform within the Church, Pope Francis led the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics with compassion and resolve.

According to Vatican sources, the pope had been recovering at Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican, following a prolonged hospitalization earlier this year due to severe pneumonia. Though reports in early April indicated slight improvements in his condition, he had remained in fragile health and reliant on oxygen support.

Despite ongoing health challenges, Pope Francis remained active until recent weeks, delivering messages of hope and peace. “Fragile, at this time, like me,” he wrote in a pastoral letter dated March 16. “Even in weakness, we are never without love, prayer, and faith.”

Over his 12-year papacy, Francis championed causes such as environmental protection, interfaith dialogue, and aid for the poor and marginalized. His progressive approach earned admiration and sparked conversation within and beyond the Church.

Global leaders and religious figures are expected to attend his funeral in the coming days, as the Vatican begins preparations for an official period of mourning and the eventual calling of a papal conclave to elect his successor.

More details on funeral arrangements and tributes are expected from Vatican officials later today.