Vatican City: The Catholic Church is in mourning. Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome and head of the universal Church, died this Monday morning at 7:35 a.m. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. "Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Cardinal Farrell said in a statement. He said that the Supreme Pontiff "returned to the Father's house" after a life entirely dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church.According to Burkina Information Agency, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013, was the first pope from the South American continent. He profoundly influenced his pontificate with a commitment to the poorest and most excluded, and to world peace. Faithful to the values of the Gospel, he advocated a Church of proximity, focused on mercy and social justice. Cardinal Farrell emphasized, "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love." He also entrusted the soul of th e late pontiff to "the infinitely merciful love of the Triune God."Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th pope of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first pontiff from Latin America, and the first to bear the name Francis. He made his mark on history with his humility, simple language, and closeness to the most disadvantaged. Born into a family of Italian immigrants, he was ordained a priest in 1969 and appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He was created cardinal by John Paul II in 2001 and distinguished himself through his commitment to social justice and denunciation of inequalities.During his pontificate, Francis promoted a Church of mercy, turned towards the peripheries, and worked for the reform of the Roman Curia, interreligious dialogue, environmental protection (encyclical Laudato si'), and the reception of migrants. Through his speeches and strong actions, he attempted to bring the Church closer to contemporary realities while defending the foundations of the Gospel.