The Catholic Church has lost its leader.
Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) died on April 21 at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed.
“At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the father’s house,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement, obtained by NBC News. “He taught us to live the values in the gospel with faithfulness, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and marginalized.”
His passing comes two months after his hospital stay for breathing problems. The Pontiff was originally adopted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on February 14 to treat for the remaining symptoms of bronchitis, but was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
“The laboratory examinations, X -rays and clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to present a complex image,” a February 18 statement From Holy See Press Office read, CT scans explained a “polymicrobial infection of the airways” and a “beginning of bilateral pneumonia that required additional drug treatment.”
On February 22, the Vatican said that further testing showed “thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions” in the middle of Francis “”Critical condition. “
