Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of a historic 12-year papacy that began in 2013.
His death was confirmed by the Vatican early Monday morning, following weeks of hospitalization due to a severe infection that progressed to pneumonia in both lungs.
As Catholics around the world enter a period of mourning, the Vatican has announced that the Conclave where cardinals will gather to elect the next pope will not take place for at least 15 days.
Unlike many of his predecessors who were buried within the Vatican grounds, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in Rome’s Esquilino district.
His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica to allow the faithful to pay their final respects.
