Vatican announces the death of Pope Francis

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has said.

"This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement, which was published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

His death comes after he appeared at the Vatican's St Peter's Square on Sunday to wish "Happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers.

Pope Francis was discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

A convalescing Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate Easter services on Sunday, as a cheering and emotional crowd of thousands gathered at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square.

The crowd erupted when the pontiff, 88, appeared in his wheelchair, looking out over a square awash in daffodils and tulips.

“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter,” he said, waving and giving his blessing.

On Sunday morning, Francis held a brief private meeting with Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic. The meeting lasted a few minutes, the Vatican said, long enough for them to exchange Easter wishes.

The pontiff did not lead the Easter Mass, with Cardinal Angelo Comastri, a retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, taking his place and delivering the homily that Francis has prepared.

But after the Mass ended, the pope appeared to rapturous applause as a military band kicked off a round of the Holy See and Italian anthems. Diego Ravelli, master of ceremonies, then delivered the Urbi et Orbi papal address.

During the address, Francis made a strong appeal for peace around the world, particularly in Gaza, where he said “terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction,” and called for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

The pontiff offered prayer to Christian communities in Ukraine, Israel, Lebanon and Syria, and mentioned the ongoing conflict and suffering in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sudan, South Sudan, Myanmar, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas,” the statement said. “For all of us are children of God!”

After the service, Francis took to his open-topped popemobile to greet crowds in the square, blessing babies and children during the drive.

It would've put a damper on Easter if he had died yesterday. Rather apparently he was energetic yesterday. RIP.