The King and Prime Minister have led tributes to Pope Francis, who has died aged 88.
The Vatican announced that the pontiff, who had recently been in hospital for 38 days fighting pneumonia, died on Monday morning, hours after he greeted thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square to celebrate Easter Sunday.
King Charles explained that his heavy heart was “somewhat eased” knowing the Pope was able to share an Easter Greeting one last time, as faith leaders and politicians across the world paid tribute to Francis.
Charles said: “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Pope Francis as “a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten”, saying “hope was at the heart of his papacy”.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said that the Pope died at 7.35am on Monday morning, describing how "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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised,” Farrell said in the announcement.
"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 God, One and Tribune."
Follow for live updates below...
Key Points
- King and Queen 'deeply saddened' by Pope Francis' passing
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pays tribute to 'courageous' Pope
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pays tribute to Pope Francis: 'He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity'
Obama says Pope Francis 'made us want to be better people'
14:08 , Daniel KeaneFormer US president Barack Obama has said Pope Francis "made us want to be better people".
Sharing a picture to X of the pair smiling as they shook hands in the White House's Oval Office in 2015, Mr Obama said: "Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people.
"In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound - embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners - he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.
"Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world - Catholic and non-Catholic alike - who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope's example.
"May we continue to heed his call to 'never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope'."
Westminster churchgoers pay tribute to late Pope
13:42 , Daniel KeaneChurchgoers at Westminster Cathedral in central London have paid tribute to the late Pope at their Easter Monday service.
Father Patrick van der Vorst, who led the service, said it was "symbolic that he died on Easter Monday".
"He was always there to serve the poor", he added.
Barbara Keeley, the Labour peer and former frontbench MP, told the PA news agency after the mass: "During a time of war in the world, the Pope was a voice for peace and supporting those who are suffering."
Parishioner Patrick Somerville, 87, from Westminster, said: "He has had a worldwide impact on all leaders and all peoples.
"I spoke this morning to my newsagent who told me his mother, who is a Hindu, loved Pope Francis, and I think that says it all.
"He brought love to the whole world in a humble way."
Biden says Francis was 'The People's Pope'
13:12 , Daniel KeaneFormer US president Joe Biden has said Pope Francis will be remembered as "one of the most consequential leaders of our time".
"He was unlike any who came before him," Mr Biden said in a statement posted to X.
"Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him.
"As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths.
"For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased.
"He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church.
"He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe. And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love."
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox church says Pope Francis was example of Christian humility
13:08 , Daniel KeaneEgypt's Coptic Orthodox Church mourned Pope Francis on Monday, saying he was "a true example of Christian humility".
'He prayed for peace in Ukraine' says Zelensky in tribute to Pope Francis
12:17 , Jacob PhillipsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a photograph from a 2023 meeting he had with Francis in which the pontiff told him he is “praying for peace” after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity,” Mr Zelensky said in his statement.
“He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians.
“We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support.”
Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 21, 2025
He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We… pic.twitter.com/Ww6NtsbWWS
'Our thoughts are with the Catholic Community of Westminster Cathedral' says Lord Mayor
11:36 , Jacob PhillipsThe Lord Mayor of Westminster has paid tribute following Pope Francis’ death.
Councillor Robert Rigby, who is a Catholic, said: “On behalf of the City of Westminster and Council leader Adam Hug I would like to express our great sadness at the death of Pope Francis.
“He was an inspirational figure on the world stage and our thoughts are with the Catholic Community of Westminster & Westminster Cathedral in the heart of our City.”
Former PM Rishi Sunak says Pope 'reminded us of the dignity of every person'
11:24 , Jacob PhillipsFormer prime minister Rishi Sunak, who met the Pope at a G7 summit in June 2024, said the pontiff had “reminded us of the dignity of every person”.
He said: “Pope Francis spoke to the world with moral clarity and humility.
“He reminded us of the dignity of every person – especially the poor and those without a voice.
“My thoughts are with Catholics and all those around the world who drew strength from his leadership.”
Prime Minister pays tribute to "courageous" Pope Francis
11:00 , Jacob PhillipsSir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying his death is a reminder of “his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs”.
The Prime Minister said: “I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
“His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.
“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.
“That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.
“With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
“My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. His tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all will leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the people of the United Kingdom, I share my sincerest condolences to the whole Catholic Church. pic.twitter.com/rrmadD29Dr
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 21, 2025
King pays tribute to pope
10:52 , Jacob PhillipsBuckingham Palace has just issued a statement from the King, paying tribute to the Pope.
The King explained his and the Queen’s “heavy hearts” had been eased as the pontiff was able to share one last Easter Greeting.
The statement said: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.
“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
White House pays tribute by sharing pictures of Donald Trump and JD Vance with the pope
10:42 , Jacob PhillipsThe White House has shared a short message on X to pay tribute to Pope Francis, as well as sharing photos of the pontiff meeting US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Francis met with Vance briefly on Easter Sunday, hours before he died. Vance had been spending Easter in Rome with his family.
The Vatican said the encounter lasted just a few minutes and was designed to allow for an exchange of Easter greetings.
Francis gave Vance three big chocolate Easter eggs to give to his three young children.
"I know you have not been feeling great but it's good to see you in better health," Vance told the pope. "Thank you for seeing me."
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/8CGwKaNnTh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2025
'A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being' says Archbishop of Westminster
10:33 , Jacob PhillipsCardinal 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.”
Sir Sadiq Khan expresses 'sadness of all Londoners' after pope's death
10:30 , Jacob PhillipsMayor of London Sadiq Khan posted on X: “As the Mayor to a city of more than one million Catholics, I want to express my sadness, and the sadness of all Londoners, at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
“He was a man of courage and humility who demonstrated how co-operation between faiths was a force for good.”
As the Mayor to a city of more than one million Catholics, I want to express my sadness, and the sadness of all Londoners, at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) April 21, 2025
He was a man of courage and humility who demonstrated how cooperation between faiths was a force for good. pic.twitter.com/1kt45Xh6VD
Former archbishop says he will miss the pope deeply
10:23 , Jacob PhillipsFormer archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has paid tribute to Pope Francis as someone who became a friend, adding that he will “miss him deeply”.
Mr Welby said of the late leader of the Catholic Church: “It is with a deep sense of personal sadness that I mourn the death of my friend, His Holiness Pope Francis.
“With our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters – along with the global Church and many more around the world – I’m filled with a great sense of loss. He was a Pope who spoke not just to the Catholic church, but far beyond it. His leadership was felt powerfully among us in the Anglican Communion.
“From the very first days of his papacy he was an example of humility. He constantly reminded us of the importance of serving the poor, always standing with those who faced persecution and hardship.
“During my time as Archbishop of Canterbury, it was a great privilege to work with him in peacebuilding, not least in South Sudan. Over the years he became a friend and I will miss him deeply.
“For his commitment to walking together as Roman Catholics and Anglicans, and for his vision and passion for working for ever greater reconciliation and unity between all Christian denominations, I am profoundly grateful.
“I give thanks to God for the life of this faithful servant of Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
The former archbishop recently resigned over the handling of abuse allegations in the Church of England.
'This holy man, was also very human' says Archbishop of York
10:18 , Jacob PhillipsThe Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Pope Francis as a “holy man of God” who was “also very human”.
“Francis’s whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve,” Stephen Cottrell said in a statement posted to X.
“We saw that compellingly in Francis’s service of the poor, his love of neighbour, especially the displaced, migrant; the asylum seeker, his deep compassion for the well-being of the earth and his desire to lead and build the church in new ways.”
Acknowledging the pontiff’s efforts in working alongside the Church of England despite “division” with the Catholic Church, Mr Cottrell recalled Pope Francis’ historic trip to South Sudan in 2023 alongside former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields.
“Pope Francis was acutely aware of the divisions between our churches and how they stand in the way of seeing Jesus Christ more fully,” said Mr Cottrell.
“I remember, in the brief times spent with him, how this holy man of God, was also very human.
“He was witty, lively, good to be with, and the warmth of his personality and interest in others shone out from him.”
Pope Francis admired 'for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment' says Tony Blair
10:15 , Jacob PhillipsSir 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.”
Macron: Pope Francis always sided with the most vulnerable
10:05 , Daniel KeaneFrench President Emmanuel Macron said that throughout his pontificate Pope Francis had always sided with the most vulnerable and the most fragile, and that he did this with a lot of humility.
"In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile," Macron told reporters.
Italian PM says she is grieving deeply about Pope's death
10:01 , Daniel KeaneItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said news of Pope Francis' death was cause for great sadness because of the departure of "a great man, a great shepherd".
"I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased not even during times of trial and suffering," Meloni said in a statement.
"We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness."
JD Vance pays tribute: 'May God rest his soul'
09:55 , Daniel KeaneUS Vice President JD Vance has posted a tribute on X.
He said: “I just leaned of the passing of Pope Francis (sic). My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
Polish President says Francis was 'guided by humility'
09:48 , Daniel KeanePolish President Andrzej Duda said on Monday that the pope was a great apostle of Mercy, in whom he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world.
"In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity," Duda said in a post on X.
Dutch PM pays tribute to Pope
09:41 , Daniel KeaneDutch prime minister Dick Schoof has paid tribute to Pope Francis, writing on X: “The global Catholic community bids farewell to a leader who recognised the burning issues of our day and called attention to them.
“With his sober way of life, acts of service and compassion, Pope Francis was a role model for many - Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We remember him with great respect.”
Tributes paid after Pope Francis passes away aged 88
09:36 , Daniel KeaneWorld leaders have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death aged 88.
The New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, posted on X: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis.
“A man of humility, his legacy includes an unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, to social justice and to interfaith dialogue.
“My thoughts are with Catholics and all those in New Zealand and around the world who mourn his death.”
