Pope Francis Has Died At The Age of 88

Pope Francis Has Died.

The Vatican Announced His Death Early Monday Morning.

He Was 88 Years Old.

Toward the End of His Life, Francis Battled a Host of Health Issues That Left Him Weakened and Often Forced Him to Rely on a Wheelchair or Canes.

Most Recently, He Struggled With Diverticulitis, Pneumonia, and Bronchitis, And at Times Needed His Aides to Read His Speeches Because He Was Out of Breath.

Francis Was Known as a Reformer Who Rattled the Catholic Church's Traditionalists, And Inspired Progressives by Reaching Out to Gay People and Championing the Rights of Immigrants and the Poor.

His Successor Will Be Chosen During a Conclave, A Gathering of Cardinals Who Are Charged With Electing a New Pope in Strict Seclusion at the Vatican.