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, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,» – Reuters quotes Cardinal Kevin Farrell during a broadcast on Vatican TV.

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

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

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that the 88-year-old Pope Francis was hospitalized at the Roman hospital «Gemelli» with a severe 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 in his 12 years of papacy.

The head of the Holy See had only a few public appearances after leaving the hospital on March 23 and returning to the Vatican. He missed the solemn 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.

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