Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican said early on Easter Monday.
He died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican news service says.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Farrell says
World leaders have been paying tribute, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling him a “man of humility” and Dutch PM Dick Schoof describing him as a “role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike”
The Pope’s death comes fewer than 24 hours after he made an appearance at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.
He came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to cheering crowds and said: “Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter.”
His traditional Easter address and blessing was read by an aide while he sat, watching.
Following the blessing, he was driven around the square. As he passed through the crowds, his procession paused a number of times as babies were brought over for him to bless.