The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis died of an illness at the age of 88, one day after an unexpected public appearance in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

"At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to his Father's house. His whole life has been dedicated to the service of the Lord and the Church," reads the Vatican's message.

Registered at birth as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, "Francisco" was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.

According to His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, of Casa Santa Marta, the Pope has always passed on a message of faithful evangelical values, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.

It should be remembered that Pope Francis visited Mozambique on September 2019, following an invitation from the then President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi, and led the Holy Mass on September 6 at the Zimpeto Stadium.

"Try to grow in friendship even with those who think differently, so that solidarity may grow among you and become the best weapon for transforming history," the Pope said that day.