Nigeria, April 21 -- Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.

The pontiff passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, just a day after addressing thousands of faithful during Easter celebrations in St Peter's Square.

The news was delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, who stated with sorrow:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. We commend his soul to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Pope Francis had been battling bilateral pneumonia...