Pope Francis died Monday in Rome at the age of 88, just weeks after he was released from hospital following a respiratory tract infection that developed into pneumonia.

His death, announced by the Vatican, came a day after his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he blessed thousands at St. Peter's Square, the Associated Press reported.

“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 Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church," declared the Vatican in a statement read by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized."

Prior to his death, Francis had been battling a case of bronchitis. He was admitted to a hospital on Feb. 14, where he remained for weeks before being released in late March. Even while lying on a hospital bed, the Francis attended to pontifical duties, preparing an Ash Wednesday homily that a cardinal read on his behalf at Rome’s Basilica of Saint Sabina and calling a parish priest in war-torn Gaza, where 135 Catholics congregate at the Holy Family Church.

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Born on Dec. 17, 1936 as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the pope was ordained a priest in 1969. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998........

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