Pope Francis dead UPDATES: King Charles leads tributes as Vatican confirms death of bishop of Rome on Easter Monday

'He showed kindness to the neediest people'

Celebrities have been paying tribute to Pope Francis, among them Spanish actor Antonio Banderas.

Banderas, 64, described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality.

He shared a picture from his meeting with the pontiff in 2016 and wrote: "Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people."

Vladimir Putin sends 'sincere condolences' on death of Pope Francis

Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences on the death of Pope Francis, the Kremlin said on Monday.

“Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Putin said in a message to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.

“Throughout the years of his pontificate, he actively promoted the development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive cooperation between Russia and the Holy See.

“In this sad hour, I would like to convey to you and the entire Catholic clergy my words of sympathy and support,” Putin said in the message.

Keir Starmer pays tribute to Pope Francis, a 'pope for the poor and forgotten'

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”.

Starmer 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."

King Charles pays tribute to Pope Francis

King Charles has posted his tribute on X, saying he will be remembered for his "compassion".

He added: "Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many."

'This is a big loss'

Kenya's president William Ruto has paid tribute on X, posting: "We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

"This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity.

"He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.

"His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace."

UK politicians pay tribute to Pope Francis

British politicians have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death on Monday aged 88.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the pontiff's death on Easter Monday "feels especially poignant", saying he had spent his final Easter "bearing witness to the faith he devoted his life to".

In a post on X, she added: "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."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey praised Francis as "a leader of compassion and courage, speaking up for those in need and calling for peace in a world too often divided".

He said: "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 on to compassion and hope."

MPs from across the political spectrum also paid tribute to the Pope, with several noting his compassion for the poor and refugees.

Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said his "voice for the poor and the oppressed across the world will be greatly missed", while Labour MP Pat McFadden, one of the most senior Catholic members of the Cabinet, said he had "served until the very end".

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said the Pope had been "a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation", while Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan said her "thoughts and prayers are with our Catholic community in Wales and around the world".

The White House pays tribute

The White House X account has posted: "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis."

The post is accompanied by photographs, below, of President Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance with Pope Francis.

World leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

If you're just joining us, here is a recap on some of the tributes that have been coming in for Pope Francis, who died this morning at the age of 88.

The Archbishop of York described him as “holy man of God” who was “also very human”, while US Vice President JD Vance, who met the Pope on a visit to Rome this weekend said: “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.”

Vance, a Catholic convert, arrived in New Delhi on Monday after meeting the pontiff in the Vatican.

The pair had a brief private meeting on Sunday, the Vatican said, on the last day of the Republican's visit to Rome.

Italian 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”.

French president Emmanuel Macron told reporters: “In this time of war and brutality, he had a sense for the other, for the most fragile."

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

The former UK 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."

'He was guided by humility and simplicity'

Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, said the Pope was a great apostle of Mercy, in whom he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world.

In a post on X, Duda said: "In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and simplicity."

'A great man, a great shepherd'

Italian 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”, Reuters reports.

In a statement, Meloni said: "I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased not even during times of trial and suffering. We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness."

'May his soul rest in peace'

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sent his "deepest condolences" after the death of Pope Francis this morning;

"May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come," Abiy wrote in a post on X.

'Witty, lively, good to be with'

The Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Pope Francis as a “holy man of God” who was “also very human”.

In a statement on X, Stephen Cottrell said:

"Francis’s whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve.

"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.

He added: "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."

A life in pictures

Here is a selection of images from the life of Pope Francis, who often took a less formal approach to the role than his predecessors.

'I'll always remember him for the below homily'

US Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis on a visit to Rome this weekend, has posted a tribute on X:

"I just leaned [sic] of the passing of Pope Francis. 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."

Tributes continue to pour in for Pope Francis

The Vatican, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has been joined by world leaders paying their respects to Pope Francis.

You can read more about the passing of the Pope at the link below:

'We pray for the repose of his soul'

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, has paid tribute to Pope Francis.

In a statement, he 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."

'He had a sense for the most fragile'

French 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 has told reporters.

'Tireless efforts for peace'

Robert Abela, the prime minister of Malta, posted on X:

"I pay tribute to Pope Francis, whose visit to [Malta] remains deeply cherished. His pontificate was defined by tireless efforts for peace, a strong voice for the vulnerable & significant reforms in the Catholic Church. On behalf of @MaltaGov I send my condolences to the Holy See."

'He inspired millions' – Ursula von der Leyen tribute

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, has paid tribute to the Pope, posting on X:

"Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis. He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.

"My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss. May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.

'We remember him with great respect' – Dutch PM tribute

Pope Francis was in every way a man of the people, Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof said in a statement 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."

'A man of humility' – New Zealand PM tribute

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."

'A man of deep faith'

Pope Francis was a man of deep faith, peace and compassion who fostered ties with the Jewish world, Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on Monday, in a condolence message to the Christian world and its communities in the Holy Land.

"A man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world," Herzog said of Francis.

"I truly hope that his prayers for peace in the Middle East and for the safe return of the hostages (in Gaza) will soon be answered," Herzog said on X.

Pope's Easter Sunday

Pope Francis appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

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.”

However, his Easter address was delivered by a clergy member.

The Pope was then driven around the square.

Last month, Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital after five weeks of treatment for double pneumonia.

'Tireless advocate for peace' – Swiss president

Swiss president Karin Keller-Sutter says Pope Francis was "a great spiritual leader, a tireless advocate for peace. His legacy will remain."

Vatican News posts a statement on X:

At 9.45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:

"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."