VATICAN: 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, died today. He was 88.

“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.