Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died. This was reported by Reuters, citing a statement from the Vatican's official channel.

He was 88 years old and had recently suffered from severe bilateral pneumonia.

«Dear brothers and sisters, with a heavy heart I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,» – Reuters quotes Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the Vatican's broadcast.

«This morning at 7:35, Bishop of Rome Francis returned to the house of the Father,»  - noted the cardinal.

Thus, emphasizes Reuters, an often ambiguous papacy marked by division and tension has come to an end, as Francis attempted to reform one of the world's largest religious organizations.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to a serious respiratory infection on February 14.

Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

He spent several weeks in the hospital, and this deterioration in his health was the most serious during his 12-year papacy.

After being released from the hospital on March 23, he made only a few public appearances, missing important services on Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

On Sunday, April 20, Pope Francis had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.

Also on Easter Sunday, the pontiff appeared before the public to bless the thousands gathered for Mass in St. Peter's Square.