Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88.

The Vatican has verified that the pontiff died on Easter Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, located in Vatican City.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, made the announcement regarding Pope Francis's death from Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.

Farrell stated that the Pope died precisely at 7:35 am.

His death comes hours after he greeted Catholic faithful who were at the Vatican on Sunday for the Easter mass.

The announcement by Cardinal Farrel read, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

“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 of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

“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.”

It would be recalled that Pope has been undergoing recovery after he was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital.

His passing occurred just hours after he welcomed Catholic worshippers who had gathered at the Vatican for Easter mass on Sunday.

In a statement, Cardinal Farrel expressed, "Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness that I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.

"His life was entirely devoted to serving the Lord and His Church. He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized among us.

"With immense gratitude for his exemplary life as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust Pope Francis's soul to the boundless mercy of the One and Triune God."

It is worth noting that the Pope had been in recovery after being released from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital.