ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Pope Francis died on Monday morning at the age of 88 after grappling with pneumonia, according to a Vatican statement.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell released a statement on the Vatican’s Telegram channel that read, "Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis."

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church," the statement added.

Pope Francis had been severely ill with pneumonia in recent months, yet still managed to make a public address on Easter Sunday to worshipers from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

The late Pope visited the Kurdistan Region in 2021, meeting with Kurdish leaders and expressing his gratitude to the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) for their efforts to protect Christians from attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS).

During his historic visit to Erbil, he addressed a crowd of 10,000 at the Franso Hariri stadium, celebrating Christians in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and urging interfaith tolerance.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid expressed his condolences on Monday following news of the Pope's passing, lauding him as a "unique religious and humanitarian figure" who "rendered invaluable services to the causes of peace, poverty and religious tolerance."

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani similarly lamented the passing of the Catholic leader, describing him as "a voice of compassion and unity."