New Delhi, April 21 -- Pope Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday. He passed away at 1:35 am EST. Just a day earlier, Pope Francis had surprised thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican by making an unexpected appearance on Easter Sunday.

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 home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," the Vatican announced.

P...