The Latest Breaking News from Rome

Vice president says Pope Francis was ‘obviously ill’ during their private meeting at the cardinal’s residence in Rome on Sunday

Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pontiff and the first to take the name of Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement

The pontiff had recently had a lengthy stay in a Rome hospital suffering from double pneumonia.

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement, "At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church."

The pontiff took on church traditionalists and rightwing populism, making powerful enemies on the way

Key dates from his life

Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday with world leaders in attendance

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who was revered by millions of Catholics around the world, has died aged 88

Pope Francis spent 12 years at the helm of the Catholic Church

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