Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced that he passed away in his residence early this morning.

Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. He was the first pope from Latin America.

He had recently been very sick with double pneumonia but had recovered. Sadly, he passed away at 7:35 a.m., as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on Vatican TV.

“Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I share the news of the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Farrell.

During his time as pope, Francis was both praised and criticized. Some conservatives believed he changed too many traditions, while some progressives thought he didn’t change enough.

Pope Francis led the Church during a time of many challenges and will be remembered around the world.