The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope John Paul II had died at the papal residence in Vatican City. The pope, who served as the leader of the Catholic church for 26 years, was 84.

Reports of the his quickly failing health, including rumors of his death, dominated cable news networks throughout Friday after the Vatican announced that John Paul II’s was experiencing organ failure.

Confirmation of his passing came from the Vatican at 9:37 p.m. in Rome, 1:37 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to mourn his passing.