Pope Francis dead at 88

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from outside Europe in more than 1000 years and a reformer who softened the Catholic Church's stance on social issues, has died.

He was 88. The Pope had been hospitalised for five weeks earlier this year.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, released news of his death on Monday.

“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,″ Farrell said in the announcement.

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

“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."

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