Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican issued a statement announcing the death of the Pope a day after appearing in St. Peter's Square on Sunday on the occasion of Easter.

"Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I have to announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement released by the Vatican. His whole life was devoted to the service of the Lord and the Church.'

Francis was seriously ill twice this year due to pneumonia. He spent 38 days in the hospital and was discharged on March 23. Francis, who is resting after a serious illness, pleased his followers by appearing on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday.

On Sunday, he waved to the crowd in St. Peter's Square and wished them Easter. During that time, he called for freedom of thought and tolerance in his traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' (to the city and the world).