Pope Francis dies aged 88, Vatican announces

Pope Francis during the Urbi et Orbi blessing following the Easter Mass in Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City, on April 20, 2025. [AFP]

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pontiff, has died aged 88 in Rome, Vatican officials announced on Easter Monday.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, during a brief address at the Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 a.m.