Pope Francis has died aged 88 as the Vatican releases statement

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed.

Announcing the news today (21 April) camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell said: "At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father."

Pope Francis had spent much of February at the Gemelli hospital in Rome after being admitted with pneumonia in both of his lungs and later struggling with acute respiratory failure.

He was later returned to The Vatican after being discharged from hospital on 23 March.

Vigils were held at St Peter’s Basilica as well as in towns and cities across Italy and abroad each night, while well-wishers also lit candles outside the Gemelli hospital, where he was first admitted on 14 February.

During his time in hospital, he was diagnosed with bronchitis and kidney issues, required blood transfusions and also a ventilator as he struggled to breathe.

The Pope has died aged 88 (Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised," the statement continued.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."

The Buenos Aires-born Pope was elected at the age of 76 in 2013 to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, and took the name the Francis. He was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936.

Pope Francis fought for inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and social justice during his 12 years inside the Vatican, notably calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and raising awareness of climate change.

He had also struggled with various health conditions during his time at the Vatican, including a spell with pneumonia in March 2023 and a colon operation in 2021.

He had been admitted to hospital in February (JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

Before his passing, the Pope thanked people across the world for their support in a statement made via the Vatican, saying: “I feel all your affection and closeness and, at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all.”

It is unclear at this point who will become the next bishop of Rome, with a voting process likely to last anywhere between 15 and 20 days, in what is known as a papal conclave.

The College of Cardinals will come together to elect the Church’s next head, voting four times per day until a candidate receives a major two-thirds of the vote.

Likely candidates include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.