Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Pope Francis has passed away, the Vatican announced in an official statement.

"The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has departed this life," the declaration reads.

According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the pontiff’s death was recorded at 7:35 a.m.

"Today, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the house of the Father. He dedicated his entire life to serving the Lord and His Church. He showed us how to live the Gospel—with faithfulness, courage, and boundless love, especially toward the poorest and most vulnerable. With deep gratitude for his example as a true disciple of Jesus Christ, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite and merciful love of the Triune God," reads the statement from the Holy See's press office, quoting Cardinal Farrell.

The pontiff was 88 years old. In February, he was hospitalized at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome with bronchitis. Subsequent examinations revealed the development of bilateral pneumonia. He remained in intensive care for five weeks, enduring four severe respiratory crises. His life was twice in serious danger.

He was discharged on 23 March. Since then, the Pope made only two public appearances—the last being on the eve of his death, as he extended Easter greetings to Catholics. He also held several private audiences: in early April, he met with King Charles III of the United Kingdom, and on Holy Saturday, he received U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he ascended to the papacy on 13 March 2013 following the voluntary resignation of Benedict XVI. He was the first pope from Latin America and the first from the New World in the history of the Catholic Church.