Vatican Announces Pope Francis Dies

Pope Francis greeted the people at Gemelli Hospital. (Source: VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Photo)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis, the leader of the first Roman Catholic Church from Latin America, has passed away, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday.

The 88-year-old whale was recently discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment due to a serious double pneumonia attack. The Pope was treated at Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy on February 13 and allowed to return home on March 23.

"Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican TV channel.

"At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to Father's house," the announcement continued.

It is known that Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many church observers, known for their concern for the poor, as outsiders.

Pope Francis seeks to project simplicity into his great role and has never occupied a decorated papal apartment at the Apostholic Palace used by his predecessors, saying he prefers to stay in the community for his "psychological health".

He inherited a Church that was attacked by a sexual abuse scandal and torn apart by internal clashes within the Vatican bureaucracy, and was elected with a clear mandate to restore order.

But over time, he faced strong criticism from conservatives, who accused him of damaging high-junction traditions.

On the other hand, he has also drawn the anger of progressives, who feel he should have done more to reshape the 2,000-year-old Church.

As he fought against internal dissent, Pope Francis became a global star, attracting many people on his many trips abroad as he tirelessly promoted dialogue and peace between religions, by sided with marginalized people, such as migrants.

Unique in modern times, there were two men wearing white clothes at the Vatican during most of Francis' reign, with his predecessor Benedict choosing to continue to live on the Holy Throne after his surprising 2013 resignation had paved the way for the new pope.

Pope Francis appointed nearly 80 percent of the electoral cardinals to choose the next Pope appropriately by February 2025, thereby increasing the chances of his successors continuing his progressive policies, despite strong opposition from traditionalists.