Pope Francis dies at 88 as Vatican releases official statement

Pope Francis has died aged 88, Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell has announced.

Farrell said on Monday (21 April): “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.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised."

The senior official's statement concluded: "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 late pope, who was elected at the age of 76 in 2013 to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936.

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."

He spent much of February at the Gemelli hospital in Rome after suffering with pneumonia in both of his lungs and later struggling with acute respiratory failure.

Pope Francis has died aged 88 (SOPA Images / Contributor / Getty Images)

It was during his time in hospital, that Pope Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis and kidney issues.

He required blood transfusions and also a ventilator as he struggled to breathe with doctors explaining that his health issues were complicated, as he remained in a critical condition.

It is not yet clear who will now be announced the next bishop of Rome, with a voting process likely to last up to 20 days in what is known as a papal conclave.

The Vatican has released a statement following the Pope's passing (Franco Origlia / Contributor / Getty Images)

The decision will be made by the College of Cardinals who will vote 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.