Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has passed away. The Vatican confirmed his death on Monday, April 21,BBC News.

The announcement was made via a video message from the Vatican, stating that he died at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, at 7:35 AM local time on that day. The 88-year-old pontiff had been facing various health issues for an extended period. According to the BBC, he died the day after Easter, having met with US Vice President JD Vance the previous day, Sunday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell expressed his sorrow on Vatican television, stating, “It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.” The BBC also noted that he was the first pope from outside Europe in 74 years, with no non-European pope visiting Rome since Gregory III, a Syrian, passed away in 741. Throughout his papacy, he consistently pursued reforms within the Catholic Church while maintaining widespread popularity.