Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion among Catholics but riled traditionalists, died Monday at age 88.

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For Filipinos, he was not just a pontiff — he was Lolo Kiko, the ever-gentle, smiling figure who walked among the poor and street children, and spoke the language of compassion and love.

The Argentine leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital before seeming to recover, leaving the facility on March 23.

His death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance, looking frail, on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.

"Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

"This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church," said the statement, released shortly before 10:00 am.

His death sets in motion centuries-old traditions that will culminate in the gathering of a conclave of cardinals to choose a successor.

In the meantime, the day-to-day running of the tiny Vatican City state will be handled by the camerlengo, a senior cardinal, currently Dublin-born Kevin Farrell.

At the Vatican on Monday, a hush seemed to descend on the normally boisterous Saint Peter's Square as the sound of bells rang out.

"He lived this Easter and then he went," Cesarina Cireddu from Sardinia said with tears in her eyes. "He's actually returned to the Lord -- and godspeed." Tour groups continued to walk through the sprawling plaza as quiet groups of people leaned against a barricade to pray.

Venezuelan Riccardo Vielma, 31, who is studying to be a priest, said "we have lost our spiritual father".

"This is the moment for all of humanity to unite and pray for him."