Pope Francis dies after prolonged illness

Pope Francis died on Monday after a prolonged illness.

He was 88 and was earlier hospitalised for various ailments, but last week, doctors discharged him after treating him for several weeks.

He was the first Latin American pontiff and was considered a voice for the poor. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo.

Pope wished people on Easter and held a brief meeting with US Vice President J D Vance yesterday.