Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, according to a statement from the Vatican. He died peacefully at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican City. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a tribute following the announcement. The world is mourning his loss, with tributes pouring in from global leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron described the late Pope as “a man of humility,” while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called him “a role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.” The Pope’s death comes just one day after he made a public appearance in St Peter’s Square, where he greeted thousands of worshippers with a heartfelt “Happy Easter.”

Meanwhile,the cardinal electors of the Catholic Church elected an American on Thursday to serve as the new pope. Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was elected and accepted his fate as the next Bishop of Rome, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.