Pope Francis made final plea in act hours before his death aged 88

The late Pope Francis was a humanitarian right until the end.

It was a announced today that the Pope had passed away aged 88, with the news coming just one day after his last public appearance, where he made a final plea to the gathered crowds just hours before his death.

It followed weeks of ill health after he was admitted to hospital back in February for double pneumonia, where he remained for five weeks until being discharged on 23 March.

Briefly appearing at the Vatican's Easter Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday, the 88-year-old had put together a special message for his congregation titled 'Urbi et Orbi', which translates to 'to the city and the world.'

It harboured the last plea he'd ever make before passing away on Easter Monday (21 April).

(Stefano Spaziani/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Read aloud by his aide Archbishop Diego Ravelli, who stands as the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations, his message repeated the Pope's Gaza ceasefire request after previously criticising Israel's military campaign back in January.

"The growing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world is worrisome," it began.

"Yet at the same time I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.

"I express my closeness to the sufferings of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace."

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentinian leaves behind a 12-year legacy as the global figurehead of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death in a statement on Easter Monday: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church."

As for what happens next, nine days of mourning (known as the 'Novendiale') are set to be observed by Catholics, and during this period the Pope's body will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days ahead of the funeral. Daily prayer services and masses will be held.

While Papal funerals are typically ritual filled affairs, Pope Francis had previously approved of stripping back the process last year, confirming his plans for a stripped back funeral and burial outside of the Vatican.

He will be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, Italy.

• Pope Francis has died aged 88 as the Vatican releases statement
• How travel to Italy will be affected after Pope Francis' death aged 88
• Pope Francis shared his one final regret with doctor moments before death
• Pope Francis' final words revealed as more details over his death emerge