New Delhi, April 21 -- Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday. Pope Francis was 88 years old and passed away on Monday, at 1:35 am EST.

In a video statement on Vatican's TV channel, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced: "Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness 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."

Pope Francis had suffered from various ailments in his 12 year papacy.

(This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates)

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from MINT....