Pope Francis: tributes paid after head of Catholic church dies aged 88 – latest updates

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who was revered by millions of Catholics around the world, has died after a respiratory illness

Yesterday Pope Francis appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.

The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica saying to the crowds: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”

Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 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 of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.