Vatican announces death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has said.

"This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement, which was published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

His death comes after he appeared at the Vatican's St Peter's Square on Sunday to wish "Happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers.

Pope Francis was discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

The governing of the Church will now be handled by the College of Cardinals, its most senior officials, until the new Pope is chosen. There are currently 252 Catholic cardinals, 138 of whom are eligible to vote for the new Pope.

They will be summoned to a meeting at the Vatican, followed by the conclave, as the election is known.

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