Pope Francis — the 266th pope in the Catholic Church’s history — has died … the Vatican confirms.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Ferrell said in a statement on Monday.

Reports began to surface at the end of February that the pontiff was preparing for death after he was hospitalized with double pneumonia earlier in the month. He was also being treated for bronchitis at the time.

Numerous dignitaries visited him in the hospital while he was recovering … including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who said the pope was as “alert and reactive” as always

In June of that year, Pope Francis was laid up in a hospital bed for nine days after having stomach surgery.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina … Pope Francis assumed the role in 2013 and instituted a series of reforms, which include a new constitution.

During his tenure, he was known as a top theologian in the Catholic church … distinguishing himself with more liberal views than his predecessor Pope Benedict. He made headlines for his support of gay rights and even legal protections for same-sex couples, despite there being some discrepancies when it came to marriage.

PF became the first pope to be a member of the Jesuits, the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. He was also the first pope from outside Europe since the 8th century.

He was 88.

Carl Weathers may have sadly left us … but his “Toy Story” role will live on in the Disney franchise with help from Ernie Hudson, TMZ has learned.

Production sources tell us … the “Ghostbusters” icon has been cast as Combat Carl, the character played by the “Rocky” legend, who died last year at 76.

Combat Carl is the G.I. Joe-type action figure toy line in the TS universe … and after his unforgettable role in “Predator,” it made perfect sense that CW fit the mold (pun intended)!

As you likely recall … the beloved actor passed away peacefully last February while surrounded by loved ones — due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

His death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, as few knew he was even ill since he was still working in high-profile projects, such as Disney’s “The Mandalorian.”

Combat Carl is clearly in good hands … Ernie being a stud in his own right after bustin’ all of those ghosts!

Rob Gronkowski won’t be spiking a headset on the New England sideline anytime soon … but if you ask him, the Patriots are better off with their current staff anyway!!

TMZ Sports caught up with Gronk and chopped it up about all things Pats … and he’s super excited about the direction of his old team this offseason.

Of course, New England brought back another franchise great – former linebacker Mike Vrabel – to take the reins … and Gronk thinks the team is making big moves.

A big part of what’s goin’ well in Gronk’s eyes is free agency – he shouted out the signing of Stefon Diggs as a particularly big move.

“It’s really good for the New England Patriots because they need that number one wide receiver,” he said.

But seeing a fellow player like Vrabel return to coaching isn’t inspiring Gronk … he said his life is “too good” to ever consider going that route.

“I’m just not made for that coaching life, I’ve seen what they go through. It’s one of the most stressful jobs I would say in America,” Gronkowski admitted.

But a few lucky athletes may have a chance to play for Coach Gronk someday … if he ever has kids!!