Pope Francis has died, Vatican says in video statement

Argentinian pontiff appointed 80% of cardinals who will elect his successor

20250421 Pope Francis

Francis was the first pope to lead the Catholic church while his predecessor was still alive following Pope Benedict's surprise retirement in 2013. (File photo by Kai Fujii) 

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -- Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday, ending an often turbulent reign marked by division and tension as he sought to overhaul the hidebound institution.

He was 88, and had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia.

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