Pope Francis passes away at the age of 88

Served as head of the Catholic Church since 2013

(VATICAN) - Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88. 

He had served as the head of the Catholic Church since March 2013.

Born in Argentina in 1936, he was the first pope from the Americas. 

A Vatican spokesperson said, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Francis was hospitalized for 38 days earlier this year. On Easter Sunday, he blessed thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square.

One of the last official meetings Pope Francis had was with Cincinnati-native and United States Vice President J.D. Vance yesterday.