Pope Francis passes away at 88: Vatican confirms

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the New World, has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Vatican.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he made history when he was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.

His last public appearance was just a day before his passing when he delivered his Easter message to the faithful gathered in St. Peterchr("39")s Square.