Pope Francis dies aged 88

Pope Francis faced numerous health problems in recent years
VATICAN CITY
Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement. “Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
Francis’s death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.
Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia. He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.
On Sunday he wished the crowds on Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter” as he waved and in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.
President Zardari condoles passing of Pope Francis
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis and paid tribute to him for his commitment to interfaith harmony, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
The president extended his condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan to the Vatican and the entire Catholic community on his sad demise. While paying tribute to his services, the president said that Pope Francis would be remembered for his efforts in promoting peace, social justice, inter-faith dialogue, and the well-being of the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
Zardari remarked that Pope Francis was a powerful voice for peace and justice, and his efforts to bring together communities of different faiths and promote mutual understanding would always be remembered.
The president termed the Pope’s passing a great loss not only for the Christians but for all those who valued peace and dialogue among religions.