Breaking: Pope Francis has died

Pope Francis, a transformative leader of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88.

The Vatican announced the death early Monday, and tributes have poured in from world leaders.

Francis, the first pope to take over after his predecessor’s resignation, had been ill for some time, and spent more than a month in the hospital earlier this year after a bout of bronchitis worsened. He was discharged towards the end of March and on Sunday, met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

The first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, Francis’ death marks the end of a papacy defined by its dedication to humility, poverty, and care for the marginalized.

In a departure from tradition, Francis had expressed his desire to be buried outside the Vatican, aligning with his commitment to simplicity and modesty.

A period of mourning will now begin before the process to elect a new pope gets underway.