Pope Francis dies: Instant reaction | LBC

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.

The Argentinian was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio born in Buenos Aires on the 17th of December 1936.

Seen as an outsider when he was chosen to succeed Benedict the 16th in 2013, the Argentinian was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

The Pontiff appeared to the public for the final time on Sunday, as he delivered an Easter blessing to hundreds of worshippers.

Speaking to the crowd, he paid tribute to the victims global conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as he shared a message of peace in his final public appearance.

Announcing his death, Cardinal Farrell said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

"At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

"He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on the 17th of December 1936.

Shelagh Fogarty joins Paul Brand to reflect on the life of Pope Francis and discuss what happens next for the Vatican.

Listen to the full show on Global Player: https://app.af.globalplayer.com/Br0x/...

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