Breaking: Pope Francis Is Dead Aged 88- Vatican

The symbol of global Catholicism, Pope Francis is dead, the Vatican, has announced. The pontiff died aged 88, a development that would unite the faith in mourning.

This comes a day after he made a widely publicised appearance on Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis was captured in illustrative pictures reaching out to people as he moved round.

The pontiff died at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, The Vatican said in a statement.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”

The Eagle has also carried a story and picture of Pope reaching out to crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.

Little did they know that that was a farewell solidarity.

He appeared on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite doctor’s advice.

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This was because he was still convalescing after a severe illness.

Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.

Before the news broke that Pope Francis Is Dead, he, on Sunday had wished the crowds on Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter” as he waved and in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.