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Pope Francis, the pontiff revered by millions of Catholics around the world whose popular appeal reached far beyond his global congregation, has died at the age of 88.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said: “At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.″
The official declaration of the pope’s death is expected on Monday evening, when his body will be placed in its coffin. The cause of death is also likely to be disclosed.
Francis’s body will be transferred to St Peter’s basilica on Wednesday morning to allow members of the public to pay their respects.
Cardinals will meet on Tuesday morning to decide the date of the pope’s funeral, which must take place between four and six days after death. The funeral will be followed by nine days of official mourning.
The Guardian
