Tributes are pouring in for the Pope Francis, who has died after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.
The 88-year-old’s death was announced by senior Vatican officials on Monday, just one day after he made a surprise appearance to wish worshippers a happy Easter from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Francis was hospitalised for several weeks in February, after suffering from a bout of double pneumonia. He returned to the Vatican in mid March to recover.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced his death on Monday: “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.”
Pope Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.
King Charles said he and the Queen were “deeply saddened” by the Pope’s death on Monday.
He joined a number of world leaders including French president Emmanuel Macron and British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer who paid tribute to Francis after his passing.
