Kochi: Pope Francis, 88, passed away at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the BBC, quoting Vatican news service, said.
The Pope came in a wheelchair and appeared in St Peter’s Square to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Farrell said.
Tributes are pouring in with French President Emmanuel Macron calling him a “man of humility”.
Dutch premier Dick Schoof described him as a “role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike”.
He was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on
December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Weeks before his death, he was treated for chronic lung disease, including a respiratory crisis and pneumonia.
Bergoglio was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after surviving severe illness. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969.
Bergoglio was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina from 1973 to 1979 before becoming the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and became a cardinal in 2001.
A papal conclave elected Bergoglio as successor of Pope Benedict XVI on 13 March
following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013.
Bergoglio chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was known for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, international visibility as pope, concern for the poor and commitment to interreligious dialogue.
He denounced the death penalty as the Catholic Church is committed to its abolition.
He criticized the rise of right-wing populism, calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality.
He criticized anti-immigration politics, including those of the U.S. President Donald Trump, BBC said.
Pope passes away
