Pope Francis dies aged 88, Vatican says

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announces.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said Pope Francis died Monday morning.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell added.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”

The pontiff’s death came one day after he made a brief appearance before thousands of people gathered at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.

His traditional Easter address was read by an aide while he sat in a wheelchair, watching. Later, he was driven around St Peter’s Square.

The Pope, who suffered from chronic lung disease, was hospitalized in February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.

After five weeks of treatment, he was discharged from hospital last month.

The new Pope has to be chosen by the Catholic Church’s most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals.

Condolences pour in after Pope’s death

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei offered condolences following the death of Pope Francis.

“My colleagues have just informed me of the news … I offer my condolences to all Christians around the world,” he said during a press conference.