The news was announced by the Vatican directly from the Chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, with the following words: "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

According to Público, Francis had been hospitalised but was discharged about a month ago. Yesterday, Easter Sunday, he read a message to the faithful in a brief appearance on the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, wishing "a happy Easter to all."

The President of the Assembly of the Republic today expressed deep sadness over the death of Pope Francis, considering that his pontificate was a sign of fraternity, peace and mercy for the Church and the world.

“His pontificate was a sign of fraternity, peace and mercy for the Church and the world. The best tribute we can pay is to ensure that his words continue to be an example,” added the President of the Assembly of the Republic.

"Pope Francis has been a voice of courage, empathy and inclusion at a time when the world seems to be giving in to intolerance and hatred. His fight for a more just and supportive society for all has made him a beacon of hope for millions, Catholics and others", said Alexandra Leitão, from the PS.

"His absence will be deeply felt, especially at a time when forces are emerging that feed on individualism and dehumanisation to impose division and contempt for others. Pope Francis will be greatly missed by the world."

Born in Buenos Aires on 17 December, 1936, the first Jesuit to reach the leadership of the Catholic Church tried to give signs of modernity to the ancient institution, appointing women to positions of power and opening the doors to divorced people and homosexuals, decisions that provoked criticism from conservative sectors of the Church.

At the first mass after being elected, the cardinals heard Francis ask God to forgive them for going to the “end of the world” to seek a Pope and, since then, he has been marked by his attitude of detachment towards material goods and condemnation of capitalism excess.

Dispensing luxuries and not wanting to live in the Pontifical Palace but in the Casa de Santa Marta, where Vatican guests are accommodated, the first non-European Pope in more than 1,200 years and the first from the southern hemisphere introduced changes, seeking to recover the dynamism of the Second Vatican Council, which he considered had yet to be fulfilled.

Funeral ceremonies will take place in the coming days, following traditional protocol for the death of a Pope. Francis’ body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral, which is expected to be attended by dignitaries from around the world. As the period of mourning begins, the College of Cardinals is preparing for the conclave that will elect St. Peter’s next successor.