ADIEU, PROGRESSIVE POPE

Pope Francis, history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, passed away on Monday. He was 88.

- Nicole Winfield @ Vatican City

"At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who takes charge after a pontiff's death. Flags flew at half-mast in Italy, and crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community."

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease, was hospitalized on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.