Tributes are being paid to the Pope, who died on Monday morning
Tributes are pouring in for the Pope Francis, who has died after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.
The 88-year-old had been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for weeks after he was admitted on 14 February suffering from pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced 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."
"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."
Pope Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.
Pope Francis dies weeks after hospital stay
Pope Francis died on Monday, weeks after he was hospitalised for an extended period of time.
The pontiff had been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for weeks battling a complex lung infection which led to early stages of kidney insufficiency, the Vatican said.
All his audiences and planned events had been cancelled after he suffered from double pneumonia.
Pope has died, Vatican announces
Pope Francis has died, a senior Vatican official has announced.
Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said 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.
"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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