Pope Francis dies

"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of the Pope. At 7:35 this morning (12:35 Hanoi time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father," Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on Vatican television on April 21. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and the Church."

The Pope died a day after he appeared in the Popemobile and drove through St. Peter's Square as tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Vatican for Easter Mass. It was his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital in late March.

Pope Francis, 88, was twice close to death earlier this year after contracting pneumonia. He spent five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli hospital before being discharged on March 23.

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the eldest son of Italian immigrants. Before entering the priesthood, he studied chemical engineering and worked in a laboratory.

He was ordained a priest in 1969 and gradually took on important roles, from provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina to Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. In 2001, he was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He is known for his simple lifestyle, closeness to the poor, and frequent use of public transport.

He became Pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013.