LIVESTREAM: Saint Peter’s Square at Vatican following Pope Francis’ death

People flock to Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City following the announcement of Pope Francis' death on Monday, April 21.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21. He was 88, and had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his passing on the Vatican’s TV channel.

His death comes a day after the Pope had made his first prolonged public appearance where he reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in an Easter Sunday message read aloud by an aide on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

In the Easter message, the pontiff said the situation in Gaza was “dramatic and deplorable”. The Pope also called on Palestinian militant group Hamas to release its remaining hostages and condemned what he said was a “worrisome” trend of antisemitism in the world.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider.

Unique in modern times, there were two men wearing white in the Vatican for much of Francis’ rule, with his predecessor Benedict opting to continue to live in the Holy See after his shock resignation in 2013 had opened the way for a new pontiff.

Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose the next Pope, increasing the possibility that his successor will continue his progressive policies, despite the strong pushback from traditionalists. – Rappler.com