Everything we know so far about Pope Francis' death at 88 years old

Pope Francis, who devoted his 'entire life' to serving God and the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday - here's everything we know so far.

The Vatican announced earlier this morning (21 April), that Pope Francis, the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, has died.

It was just yesterday on Easter Sunday, that the 88-year-old greeted those who gathered to see him at St Peter's Square, and read from the balcony overlooking the square.

The Pope, had suffered multiple health issues in recent years, and had reduced mobility in the last few months of his life.

In a statement announcing his death this morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell of the Vatican said: "At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church."

Here's everything we know so far about his death.

Who was Pope Francis?

The Pope has died at 88-years-old (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, and was the first person to become the Pope that was born outside of Europe in more than 1000 years.

He was elected into the major role in 2013, and his passions were rooted in raising awareness about poverty and inequality, as well as the climate crisis.

Francis was seen as one of the most progressive Pope's, famously responding 'Who am I to judge?' when questioned about gay priests.

He specifically resonated with younger Catholics, and urged them to ditch materialism and over-dependence on technology.

In 2016, he said: "Happiness is not an app that you can download on your phones."

How long did Pope Francis serve the Catholic church?

Pope Francis was viewed as one of the more progressive Pope's of recent times (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Francis was Pope for 12 years, and a nine-day period of official mourning will now follow his death.

Saint Peter is widely regarded as the first Pope, and holds the title of the longest serving, after 37 years in the role.

Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, sent shock waves through the Catholic Church after announcing he was voluntarily stepping down from his duties, a month before Francis was elected.

The German pope was the first person in six centuries to voluntarily give up the privilege.

What health issues did Pope Francis suffer with?

Francis had a chronic lung disease, and had part of one lung removed much earlier in his life.

He was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on 14 February this year, where he was treated for pneumonia.

The late Pope spent 38 days in hospital during this time.

Despite his health issues and reduced mobility, in his final weeks, Pope Francis kept up with a busy schedule.

He will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of four major papal basilicas in Rome, instead of the traditional St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, as per his wishes.

What happens now?

The Catholic Church's most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals, will wait 15 days before beginning the vote on who the next Pope should be.

Currently, there are 252 Catholic cardinals, 138 of whom are eligible to vote for the new Pope.

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