Watch livestream: Mourners gather in Vatican City after Pope Francis dies at 88
Mourners began flocking to Vatican City to pay respects to Pope Francis, who died early Monday, April 21 at 88.
By midday local time, hundreds of visitors could be seen in St. Peter's Square, a large plaza in the heart of Vatican City where Francis made an appearance and gave a blessing on Easter Sunday after mass.
Francis died at 7:35 a.m. local time (1:35 a.m. ET). His death comes weeks after he was hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia and other health issues.
"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said an announcement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, per the Vatican News. "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. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Watch livestream: Mourners gather in Vatican City
Paste BN is providing live coverage of Vatican City. Watch live at the embed at the top of the page or on Paste BN's YouTube channel.
Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, John Bacon and Susan Miller, Paste BN