Guwahati, April 21 -- Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away early Monday morning at the Vatican, confirmed Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, in an official video statement on April 21, 2025.

He was 88 years old.

"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," Farrell said, reflecting on the Pope's remarkable legacy.

The Pope had been battling serious health issues in recent years, including knee and hip pain, and an inflamed colon. He had also faced recurring respiratory problems stemming from a lung surgery he underwent at age 21, when part of his right lun...