Pope Francis dies aged 88: Live updates and reaction as Vatican announces death of pontiff

Here's our video explainer following the breaking news this morning that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

We will bring you the latest updates and reaction from across the world.

For more Pope Francis stories visit MailOnline:

• Catholics in mourning as first Latin American pontiff dies after 12 years in the Vatican
• Now for the world's most secretive vote with 120 cardinals locked away for the legendary Conclave
• Who will be the next Pope? We could see the first black or Asian Pontiff
• VERY awkward moment with JD Vance was Pope's last public encounter
• OBITUARY: How romantic rejection at 12 forged the most controversial Pope of modern times

Raising his left hand towards a crying boy, this is the moment Pope Francis gave his last public blessing as he drove through St Peter's Square for the last time.

Footage of the brief exchange yesterday is now deeply poignant following the pontiff's death today at the age of 88.

Francis blessed four tiny babies and two older children during the circuit in his popemobile through cheering crowds gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday, with the youngsters passed up to him by members of his security detail.

The outing was the longest time he had spent in public since spending five weeks in hospital being treated for double pneumonia.

Earlier he had appeared on the Vatican balcony and told crowds, 'Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter', before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech, which called for an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

• Watch the footage below and read the full story by Rory Tingle here

An Irish-born cardinal announced to the world that Pope Francis had died.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, confirmed that the head of the Catholic Church had died on Easter Monday after bouts of ill health including pneumonia.

Cardinal Farrell is camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, a key role during 'sede vacante', the period when the Church is without a pope.

Kevin Joseph Farrell was born on September 2 1947 in Dublin and lived on Galtymore Park in Drimnagh, Dublin.

After finishing primary and secondary school, he attended the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, before being ordained as a priest on December 24 1978.

In August 2016, Pope Francis called him to serve in the Roman Curia, as prefect of the new Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life.

Father Michael Collins, who has authored books about Pope Francis, said that as camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell had the role of verifying the Pope's death.

Speaking to RTE Radio, he said:

So what happens next is, it was an Irishman, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who actually made the official announcement of the Pope's death to the world. He is what's called the camerlengo, the key keeper, and he's got the position of verifying the pope's death.

The body of Pope John Paul II lies in state inside St. Peter's Basilica in 2005

The days following the death of Pope Francis are packed with centuries-old traditions and rituals - including his funeral and the public exhibition of his body.

Francis's body is set to be moved into St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican later this week, where he will lie in state for three days before his funeral.

No date has been announced for when this will happen. However, when Pope Benedict died on December 31, 2022, his remains were moved to St Peter's three days later.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to visit the Francis' embalmed body to pay their respects to the beloved leader of the Catholic church.

The body of the late pontiff will then be dressed in red robes with a white mitre on his head, and he will be taken to St Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state for three days.

His funeral will take place within six days. A date for the ceremony has yet to be announced.

Traditionally, papal funerals are an elaborate affair, but before his death Pope Francis sought to simplify the ceremony. Unlike his predecessors, the Pope said he did not want to be buried in the grottoes beneath St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

• Read the full story by Tom Cotterill here

A member of the Royal Family is expected to attend the Pope's funeral, if the Vatican is in agreement, according to a royal source.

Francis is likely to be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood, rather than in the grottoes beneath St Peter's, in the next nine days following an official mourning period.

It is too early to say which member of the Royals will travel to Italy to pay their final respects.

Meanwhile, the Union flag will be flown half mast at royal residences where the King is not in residence.

Sombre music will also played at the Changing the Guard ceremony to reflect the sadness of the occasion.

Here are the latest pictures we can bring you from the Vatican where crowds are starting to build in St Peter's Square in response to the Pope's death.

Visitors have been pictured praying, while some pilgrims have carried a wooden cross to the residence of Pope Francis who died earlier today.

We will continue to bring you the latest updates from the Vatican as tributes pour in from across the world.

After the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the world is waiting to see who will succeed him, as the Cardinals gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave.

He was the first Latin American Pope, so did that signal a wider change within the Catholic Church and will we now see the first black or Asian Pope? Here are the top contenders to become the next Supreme Pontiff.

• Peter Turkson, 76

The former Bishop of the Cape Coast, would be the first black Pope and would have the appeal of reaching out to Africa. Born in Ghana, he was sent by Pope Francis as a peace envoy to South Sudan. He occupies the middle ground on the tricky subject of gay relationships, arguing that laws in many African countries are too harsh but that the views of Africans on the subject must be respected. Turkson was the bookies' favourite at one point during the 2013 conclave, when Francis was chosen.

• Luis Antonio Tagle, 67

Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, has emerged as the frontrunner in the betting markets. He would have the appeal of being the first Asian Pope, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. He has opposed abortion rights in the Philippines but would be considered one of the more liberal candidates. He has complained that the Catholic church has been too harsh towards gay and divorced couples, and that this has hampered its evangelical work.

• Pietro Parolin, 70

He is the closest to a 'continuity candidate', having worked with Pope Francis as Cardinal Secretary of State. He is seen as a moderate, though not as close to the liberal wing as Francis has sometimes appeared to be. When Ireland voted in 2015 to legalise same sex marriage, Parolin described it as 'a defeat for humanity'. In recent times, Parolin's star has fallen a little thanks to his being the architect of the 2018 agreement between the Holy See and China, which some regard as a sell-out to the Chinese Communist Party.

• Peter Erdo, 72

The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest would be the second Pope, after John Paul II, to have administered in the former Soviet bloc, when church leaders were often persecuted. He campaigned for his predecessor Jozsef Minszenty to be exonerated after being arrested for opposing Hungary's communist regime. Erdo is a deep conservative who has spoken against divorced or remarried Catholics receiving holy communion.

• Jose Tolentino, 59

Not to be confused with the US baseball player of the same name, and usually carries the suffix 'de Mendonca' to distinguish himself. Hailing from Cristiano Ronaldo's birth place of Madeira, Portugal, he has served as an Archbishop as well as held down a number of Vatican roles. As the – relative – youth candidate, he has advocated that biblical scholars engage with the modern world by watching films and listening to music.

The main political leaders in Britain have all paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death.

Let's read their statements issued this morning:

• Kemi Badenoch - Conservative leader

Pope Francis spent his final Easter yesterday bearing witness to the faith he devoted his life to — a quiet presence at a time when the world needed humility, courage, and conviction. His death on Easter Monday feels especially poignant. He reminded us that leadership isn't about power, but about service. When I met him in 2022, he spoke warmly of the UK and the values ​​we share. In a world that too often turns away from faith, he stood firm. May he remain in peace.

• Sir Ed Davey - Liberal Democrat leader

Pope Francis's passing is a profound loss to millions across the world. He was a leader of compassion and courage, speaking up for those in need and calling for peace in a world too often divided.

His influence reached far beyond the Church. He offered hope by reminding us of strength in kindness and faith. We should remember his example: stand up for what's right, care for others, and hold onto compassion and hope.

• Nigel Farage - Reform UK leader

My sympathies go out to all in the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis. I met him and liked him very much.

• John Swinney - Scotland's First Minister

It is with deep sadness I heard the news this morning of the death of Pope Francis. He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many. May he Rest in Peace.

• Baroness Eluned Morgan - First Minister of Wales

Pope Francis showed us that faith means action - standing up for the poor, safeguarding our planet and confronting power and injustice with principled humility and love. May he rest in peace, and may his example of compassionate leadership continue to inspire us all.

Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis , who he said was a pope for the poor, downtrodden and forgotten.

The Prime Minister released a lengthy statement on X as world leaders sent their tributes and messages to the Vatican following the 88-year-old's death.

King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, pictured with Francis in 2017

The King said he and the Queen have said they were 'greatly moved' to have visited Francis earlier this month as they joined those sending their condolences.

In an official message released following the news of Pope Francis’s death on Monday, Charles said:

Here are some of our favourite pictures from the life and times of Pope Francis who met countless world leaders and celebrities and travelled the world in his role as the head of the Catholic Church.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio pictured as a child in Buenos Aires

Francis appears at the window of St Peter's Basilica's balcony after being elected in 2013

Francis salutes the crowd as he arrives for his audience in St Peter's Square in 2013

Pope Francis greets Argentinian former football star Diego Maradona in 2014

Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II meet Francis at the Vatican in 2014

U.S. President Barack Obama and first Lady Michelle wave from the White House balcony with Pope Francis in 2015

by Ross Clark

The world is about to witness the process of choosing a new Pope.

Or rather not witness it, because as the Oscar-winning film Conclave makes clear, the election of a new Pope is the most secretive democratic process in the world, conducted by 120 cardinals behind closed doors.

In fact, the film shows it as being more open than it really is, in that the President of the College of Cardinals briefs the world's media while the process is underway.

In real life, he would face excommunication for that offence, as would anyone breaking the rules, which also include not making pacts with other voters.

Read more here:

The White House has this morning expressed its condolences after the death aged 88 of Pope Francis.

'Rest in Peace, Pope Francis,' the US presidency wrote on X, accompanied by photos of the pontiff meeting President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on separate occasions.

The King and Queen had a 'very significant and special' meeting with the ailing Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88, just 12 days ago.

The couple's historic state visit to the Vatican in early April was cancelled because of the Pope's poor health, but the pair managed to visit the head of the Roman Catholic Church privately during their trip to Italy.

Charles and Camilla's meeting with the Pope in what would be his final weeks was arranged at the last minute and took place on their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, with the pontiff wanting to personally wish them a happy anniversary.

A senior Palace official said afterwards:

I think outside of the official programme, the most significant and indeed moving thing was that visit to the Pope. We didn't know until the last minute that it would be possible. But when the Pope asked if he could see the King and Queen, Their Majesties were clearly very pleased; after all, they have known him over many years and with the rest of the world, have been praying for his recovery.

The Pope wanted personally to wish them a happy anniversary, not least because it hadn't been possible to do the state visit on this occasion. Their Majesties both came away feeling that it had been a very significant and special moment.

• Read more about the King and Queen's visit to Pope Francis here

Sir Tony Blair said Pope Francis was admired 'for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith'.

The former prime minister, who converted to Catholicism after leaving office, said:

Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity-Christian and non-Christian alike. Cherie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace.

Juventus have had their trip to Parma suspended

Four Serie A matches scheduled to take place on Monday have been postponed to a later date following the death of Pope Francis, the Italian top flight said in a statement.

Udinese's game at Torino, Fiorentina's visit to Cagliari, Genoa's match against Lazio and Juventus' trip to Parma will be rescheduled.

The games will have to fit into a congested finish to the season, potentially clashing with the Champions League semi-finals.

The Vatican said Pope Francis, a keen football fan and supporter of his hometown club San Lorenzo, died aged 88 on Monday.

*This article is available only to Mail+ subscribers*

by Daniel Johnson

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was 12, he developed a crush on a girl called Amalia. Both sets of parents disapproved of their children forming an attachment so young but Jorge went ahead and proposed marriage anyway, according to Amalia.

She recalled with a laugh: 'He said that if I didn't say yes, he would have to become a priest. Fortunately for him I said no.'

It must count as one of the most momentous rejections in history, as Bergoglio not only went on to be ordained but rose to become head of the Roman Catholic church.

Read the full obituary here:

Faithful and pilgrims carry a wooden cross walk towards St Peter's square following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Crowds are starting to build in the square as the world pays tribute to Francis.

Here's the moment UK broadcasters told breakfast viewers that Pope Francis had died.

The Vatican confirmed the 88-year-old had died this morning, hours after he appeared at an Easter Sunday event in St Peter's Square.

Watch the footage below:

Britain's most senior Catholic has called for Pope Francis's legacy of being a voice for the poor and the marginalised to be strengthened following his death.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, said:

The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general.

A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.

Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the 'kingdom of God'.

This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in 'missionary discipleship', a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community.

Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service. May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.

US Vice President JD Vance has paid tribute to Pope Francis following their meeting in the Vatican on Easter Sunday.

The 88-year-old Pontiff and Vance had an awkward exchange at the Vatican on Easter Sunday after Francis slammed the Trump administration's treatment of illegal migrants.

It came just one day after Vance, an adult Catholic convert, appeared to have been snubbed by the Pontiff and forced to meet with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the foreign minister, Archbishop Peter Gallagher.

Vance wrote on X:

I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I'll always remember him for the below home he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.

Read more about Pope Francis's final meeting here.

We are starting to get the first stream of tributes for Pope Francis from across the world as foreign leaders and government send their condolences to the Vatican.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the deceased Pope Francis on Monday as 'a man of deep faith and boundless compassion'.

Writing on X, he said:

He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei added:

My colleagues have just informed me of the news... I offer my condolences to all Christians around the world.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney described Francis as 'a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation'.

It is with deep sadness I heard the news this morning of the death of Pope Francis. He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many. May he Rest in Peace.

Ireland's premier Michael Martin paid tribute to Pope Francis as an 'exceptional' leader who holds "a special place in the hearts of Irish people".

On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I offer my heartfelt sympathies and my deepest condolences to all who mourn him, to His Eminence Cardinal Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, to his family and friends, and to the Catholic community worldwide that has lost an exceptional leader.

People have started gathering in St Peter's Square following the news Pope Francis has died this morning.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced that Francis died at 7:35am local time (6.35am UK time).

by Harry Howard, History Editor

With the world's 1.3 billion Catholics now mourning the death of Pope Francis, here is what will happen in the coming days.

News of the 88-year-old's passing was announced earlier today, two months after he was admitted to hospital with an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs and then kidney failure.

There will now be nine days of official mourning, but the historic process of the conclave - where cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to choose who will be the next pope - will not begin for at least 15 days from today.

The Vatican Chamberlain, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will first certify officially that Francis is dead by calling his name three times at his bedside.

The Pope's office and private apartments will be sealed and the papal fisherman's ring removed from his finger and broken with a hammer.

The body of the Pope will then be dressed in red robes with a white mitre on his head, and he will be taken to St Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state for three days.

His funeral will take place within six days, and then - in contrast to most of his predecessors - Francis be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood, rather than in the grottoes beneath St Peter's.

• Read more here

Pope Francis's death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.

Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.

On Sunday he wished the crowds on St Peter's Square a 'Happy Easter' as he waved and in his traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' ('To the City and the World') benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.

Here are some pictures from yesterday's event in St Peter's Square.

Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement.

Here is the statement in full:

Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.

Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican announced today.

The Pontiff spent his final weeks in hospital with an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

The Conclave - where cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to choose a successor - will not happen for at least 15 days.

Francis's body will lie in state in St Peter's Basilica during an official mourning period, and then - in contrast to most of his predecessors - he will be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood.

Read our breaking news story here:

Good morning and welcome to MailOnline's live coverage as the Vatican announces the death of Pope Francis.

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced:

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.

Stick with us for live coverage and reaction throughout the day.