"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father" Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, thus announced the death of Pope Francis.

The 88-year-old pontiff passed away at the Casa Santa Marta, his Vatican residence, following complications from a respiratory illness. He had been hospitalised in February with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia.

Pope Francis had a long history of respiratory problems, including the removal of part of his lung in his youth, and more recently, the cancellation of a trip to the United Arab Emirates due to lung inflammation.

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis approved a revised liturgical book for papal funerals, emphasising simplicity and faith in the Resurrection. Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, stated the late Pope wanted a funeral reflecting his role as a spiritual leader, not a figure of worldly power. Details of the funeral service are expected to be released shortly.