Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away. This was reported by Reuters, citing a statement from the Vatican's official channel.

He was 88 years old and had recently battled a severe case of double pneumonia.

«Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the passing of our Holy Father Francis», – quotes Reuters Cardinal Kevin Farrell from a broadcast on Vatican TV.

«This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house»,   - noted the Cardinal.

Thus, Reuters emphasizes, the often contentious tenure marked by divisions and tensions has come to an end, as Francis sought to reform one of the world's largest religious organizations.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized in Rome's Gemelli hospital due to a severe respiratory infection on February 14.

Initially, he was treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with double pneumonia.

He spent several weeks in the hospital, and this decline in health was the most serious during his 12-year papacy.

The head of the Holy See had only a few public appearances after returning from the hospital on March 23. He missed the solemn services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

On Sunday, April 20, the Pope had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.

Also on Easter Sunday, the pontiff appeared before the public to bless the thousands gathered for Mass in St. Peter’s Square.