Recap: The senior Catholic candidates who 'could undo Pope Francis's progressive legacy' if elected - as Vatican prepares for life after the pontiff

It has now been confirmed that the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure at 7.35am this morning.

The news was confirmed in a death certificate published by the Vatican, which said the Pope had fallen into a coma prior to his death.

Our live blog has now closed. You can still read all our lastest posts and stories below.

Leaders from all corners of the world have remembered the late Pope throughout today. Here are a few tributes.

• Donald Trump: 'Rest in Peace Pope Francis! He was a good man. He worked hard and loved the world.'
• Vladimir Putin said Francis was a 'wise' religious leader, a 'statesman' and a 'consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice,' who 'actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches'.
• King Charles said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear of Francis's passing. 'Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,' he added.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: 'Pope Francis has returned to the Father's home. It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us.'
• Mahmud Abbas, President of Palestine, called Francis a 'faithfful friend'. The Pope had regularly shown his support for Palestine amid their ongoing conflict over Gaza. The Pope 'recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican,' Abbas added.
• 'I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace,' Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. Real Madrid football players held a minute's silence before they started training.
• 'Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and forgotten,' said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, calling him a man of 'profound faith and humility'.

Catholics across the globe have gathered today to mourn the loss of Pope Francis.

In his home country, Argentina, thousands came together to pray and remember the life of the first South American Pope.

The country's President Javier Milei - who had profound ideological differences with the pontiff - has called seven days of national mourning.

'Papa Francisco', as Latin Americans knew him, was beloved in much of Argentina despite his failure to ever return to his country of birth during his papacy.

Francis had been branded a socialist and even the 'devil's representative on earth' by President Milei and it is thought that the pontiff had refrained from returning to Argentina so as to avoid any division.

He had, however, planned to return before the end of his papacy - but a visit never materialised.

Here are some facts about the late Pope Francis.

- Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of Italian immigrant stock. He was ordained a priest in the Jesuit order in 1969. From 1973-79 he was the order's top leader in Argentina. He became an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and the city's archbishop in 1998. He was made a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

- Surprising many observers of the Roman Catholic Church, Bergoglio was elected pope at a conclave in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict. He chose to be called Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasising a commitment to poverty, peace, and care for the environment.

- He was the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, the first from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the post. Jesuits are known for their commitment to education and social justice, including working with the poor and marginalised.

- He shunned many of the traditional trappings of the papacy, preferring to live in a modern Vatican guest house rather than the grand papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. He pared back the papal wardrobe, wore a plastic watch and chose to be driven around in a simple family car.

- He soon clashed with conservatives, who were unhappy with his informal style from the start. They balked at his calls for the Church to be more welcoming to LGBT people and divorced Catholics and at his clampdowns on the use of the traditional Latin Mass.

- Francis made 47 trips outside of Italy, visiting more than 65 states and territories, clocking up more than 465,000 km (289,000 miles). However, he never returned to Argentina.

- He initiated changes within the Vatican, emphasizing transparency, accountability and financial reform, and appointed more women to senior posts in its hierarchy. However, he was also viewed as a haphazard leader, often blindsiding Vatican officials with his off-the-cuff comments and unpredictability. Despite many efforts, he struggled to get a grip on the Church's crisis over sexual abuse by clerics.

His predecessor loved Mozart, but Pope Francis's passion was football - for him 'the most beautiful game' and also a vehicle to educate and spread peace.

From Argentine compatriots Lionel Messi and the late Diego Maradona to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gianluigi Buffon, Francis received the greatest stars of football at the Vatican, signing dozens of shirts and balls from around the world.

And the admiration flowed both ways. Following news of the Pope's death on Monday at the age of 88, Messi took to Instagram to pay tribute.

'A different Pope, close, Argentinian... Rest in peace, Pope Francis,' the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner posted.

'Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you.'

Francis often recounted playing as a young boy on the streets of Buenos Aires, using a ball made of rags.

While admitting he was 'not among the best' and that 'he had two left feet', he often played as goalkeeper, which he said was a good way of learning how to respond to 'dangers that could arrive from anywhere'.

His love of football was inseparable from his loyalty to the San Lorenzo club in Buenos Aires, where he went to watch matches with his father and brothers.

'It was romantic football,' he recalled.

He maintained his membership even after becoming pope - and caused a minor uproar when he received a membership card from rivals Boca Juniors as part of a Vatican educational partnership.

Francis kept up to date with the club's progress thanks to one of the Vatican's Swiss Guards, who would leave results and league tables on his desk.

On Monday, San Lorenzo's home page showed a large photo of a smiling pope under the club's blue-and-red striped emblem, and the words: 'Goodbye forever, Holy Father!'

Cardinals will meet on Tuesday morning for the first time since Pope Francis died to confirm the details of his funeral.

The world will be watching Vatican City after the death of the 88-year-old pontiff on Easter Monday.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan expressed his condolences Monday over the death of Pope Francis, remembering him as a defender of the environment and diplomacy in the name of peace.

'The demise of Pope Francis is not only a great loss for the people of Vatican and Catholics, but also for the international community,' Ishiba said in a statement issued late on Monday night.

Prayers for Pope Francis have begun in Mexico with dozens of Catholics in attendance for a service at the Basilica of Guadalupe.

Bells rung out in the pontiff's name, with some Mexicans bowing down to their knees in prayer.

'He was so important to Latinos,' one person told the BBC.

'We will never forget him'.

Following the death of a Pope, a precise sequence of events takes place within the Vatican.

Firstly, Francis's coffin is to be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica in preparation for a funeral.

The dates haven't been announced yet, but the burial must take place between four and six days after his death, meaning the funeral will likely be scheduled for either Friday or Saturday.

After the service, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the 'novendiali'.

During this period, cardinals arrive in Rome to participate in a conclave to elect the next Pope.

To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15-20 days after the 'sede vacante' - a Latin term meaning the seat is vacant - is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

The cardinals will vote in secret sessions, and the ballots will be burned in a special stove after each session.

Black smoke will indicate that no Pope has been elected, while white smoke will indicate that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.

Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic world and the first from the Americas.

He took over after Benedict XVI became the first pontiff since the Middle Ages to step down - and cut a sharply different figure from the German theologian.

A football-loving former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis sought to forge a more open and compassionate Church.

He strongly defended social justice and the rights of migrants, and repeatedly called for action against climate change.

Throughout his papacy, Francis championed the poor and vulnerable and emphasised love over doctrine, famously saying of gay believers, 'who am I to judge'.

His opinions riled Church traditionalists, while his outspoken views often clashed with those of politicians, but widespread tributes were paid.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Francis a 'beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage'.

Argentina's President Javier Milei - who had before taking office accused Francis of being an 'imbecile' who 'promotes communism' pointed to his compatriot's 'goodness and wisdom' despite their "'differences'.

As preparatiions are put in place for the pontiff's funeral this weekend in Rome, a three-day mourning period in Italy is expected to be announced.

Earlier on, the leader of Catholic-majority East Timor, in Asia, announced that his nation will observe an entire week of mourning to honour the Pope's death.

President Jose Ramos-Horta of East Timer hailed the pontiff's 'very brave' fight for peace.

He said: 'A Pope who was very brave to fight against the world's powers and fight for peace, and fight against people who cornered the poor and poor countries.'

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will attend the pontiff's funeral along with First Lady Melanie Trump.

'Melanie and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome,' Trump wrote.

'We look forward to being there.'

Trump's anti-immigration policies had previously been criticised by Pope Francis. When JD Vance visited the Vatican just hours before the 88-year-old's death, however, he offered the American's children Easter eggs.

The pontiff's funeral is expected to take place on either Friday or Saturday.

Rules state that it must go ahead between four and six days after a Pope's death.

Four games in the top flight of Italian football have been postponed following the death of Pope Francis.

Those postponed are:

• Torino vs Udinese
• Cagliari vs Fiorentina
• Genoa vs Lazio
• Parma vs Juventus

A statement released by Roma earlier today read: 'A loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world'.

Argentinian footballing legend Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Pope Francis tonight.

Captioning a post on Instagram of the above picture, the Inter Miami star wrote: 'Thank you for making the world a better place.

'RIP Pope Francis. We will miss you.'

Messi met Francis during a joint visit to the Vatican by the Italian and Argentinian national football teams in 2013.

Pope Francis received much praise during his time as leader of the Catholic Church for his progressive views, as he took on right-wing populism and traditionalism in the church.

But whoever is to be the new Pope will inherit a divided church facing a number of challenges.

Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, remains a front runner for the role and is seen as a moderate figure though not as liberal as his predecessor.

Other candidates, however, such as Hungarian cardinal Peter Erdo or Guinea's Robert Sarah offer more conservative views.

The Vatican could too elect the world's first black or asian Pope, with cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Luis Antionio Tagle of the Phillipines in the running.

On Monday, Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: 'The legacy he (Francis) leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.'

The views of the next Pope will no doubt determine whether the work of Francis will indeed be built on, or otherwise.

The Catholic College of Cardinals convening to elect a new pope is one of the oldest methods of electing a head of state that remains in use to the present day. It is also one of the most secretive processes known to man.

The process begins with the electors, consisting of 120 cardinals aged under 80, convening in the Sistine Chapel to take an oath of secrecy.

Four rounds of voting then take place every day until one cardinal wins two-thirds of the ballot.

Electors submit their vote by saying a prayer before dropping their twice-folded ballot into a chalice.

The result of each ballot is counted aloud and recorded by three cardinals.

If no-one receives the necessary two-thirds of the vote, the ballots are burned in a stove near the chapel with a mixture of chemicals to produce black smoke.

The process can go to multiple rounds with the same people theoretically getting the same number of votes each time as cardinals wait to see who loses support first.

But slowly, cardinals who voted for someone who only received a very small number of votes are likely to add their vote to one of the stronger candidates in the next round.

When a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds vote, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks him if he accepts his election.

If he accepts, he chooses a papal name and is dressed in papal vestments before processing out to the balcony of St Peter's Basilica. The ballots of the final round are burned with chemicals producing white smoke to signal to the world the election of a new pope.

The senior cardinal deacon announces from the balcony of St Peter's 'Habemus Papam' ('We have a pope') before the new pope proceeds out and imparts his blessing on the city of Rome and the world.

This evening's rosary prayer recital in Vatican City has come to a close.

At the end of the service, a moving applause broke out with some visitors even in tears.

Around a street lamp, crowds flocked to pick up a a special edition of the Osservatore Romano on the day of the Pope's death.

More than a thousand copies were printed today - they sold out within minutes.

Pope Francis's funeral will take place on either Friday or Saturday of this week, according to Italian newspaper la Repubblica.

The Vatican's College of Cardinals are set to decide the date, though rules state it must take place between four and six days after a pontiff's passing.

The full final testament of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, has been revealed.

In it, the pontiff requests that he be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major 'without particular decoration'.

The testament read: 'As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

'Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

'I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.

'I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.

'The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

'The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

'May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.'

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco have become the latest royals to remember Pope Francis.

The couple were regular visitors to Vatican City and met with the pontiff in 2013, 2016 and 2022. They too attended his inaugural mass in 2013.

A statement released this evening read...

It is with infinite sadness and deep sorrow that we learned of the death of his holiness Pope Francis on this Easter Monday.

Particularly moved, my family and I, along with the entire Principality, wish to offer our most sincere condolences to the Catholic Church and to all the faithful, with whom we share an immense sorrow.

In this time of pain and mourning, we keep in mind and in our hearts the apostolic blessings that the Holy Father abundantly bestowed upon us during his pontificate and pray fervently for the repose of his soul.

May his tireless message of love, fraternity, peace, faith, justice, mercy, compassion, and respect for our nature continue to nourish our thoughts and our commitments to the common good and to shine upon a world he left his mark on. With heartfelt gratitude, we pay tribute to the great servant of humanity who has just passed away.

We ask your most Reverend Eminence to share in the mourning we share, with all the inhabitants of the Principality, in the Church and the Vatican City.

US Vice President Vance has this evening paid tribute to Pope Francis.

Mr Vance met the pontiff only yesterday in Rome, just hours before the 88-year-old's death.

Months after Francis criticised President Donald Trump's administration over their plans to deport migrants en masse, Pope Francis offered Mr Vance three chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children in Sunday's brief meeting.

'I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis,' Mr Vance posted to X.

'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.'

Mr Vance said he will 'always remember' the pontiff for a 'beautiful' homily he gave after the outbreak of Covid-19 in which Pope Francis called for listeners to 'embrace hope'

.

Thousands have gathered in Vatican City to recite the rosary prayer following the pontiff's 'peaceful' death earlier today.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti was one of the first to address crowds at around 6.30pm.

There are just a handful of Catholic cardinals across the UK and Ireland, some of whom are expected to cast a vote for the next pope.

Technically, any baptised Catholic man is eligible to become the next pontiff, but for centuries only cardinals have been chosen.

In the UK and Ireland, there are currently five cardinals.

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe was said to be 'hot-footing to Rome' on Monday, following a press conference in London.

Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, from Liverpool, and the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, was expected to be travelling to Rome on Tuesday.

Both aged 79, the pair are just below the cut-off for voting as part of the conclave - the secret meeting at which a new pope will be elected.

Cardinal Radcliffe and Cardinal Nichols, however, appeared to rule themselves out of the running.

Cardinal Nichols told reporters on Monday he was 'too old, not capable', while Cardinal Radcliffe said he believed the Holy Spirit was "'far too wise to even think of me (as pope) for the shortest moment'.

Aged 75, Cardinal Arthur Roche, from West Yorkshire, is the youngest of the UK and Ireland's cardinals.

He is based in Rome and has been a key adviser to Pope Francis in recent years.

Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald, from Birmingham, will turn 88 in August, meaning he will be unable to vote for a new pope.

Cardinal Sean Brady, Ireland's only Catholic cardinal, will turn 86 this summer and so is also unable to vote due to his age.

Scotland currently has no Catholic cardinals.

It is not thought that any of the UK or Irish cardinals are among the favourites expected to succeed Pope Francis.

Among the names being speculated upon as possible successors are Cardinal Luis Tagle, a 67-year-old from the Philippines who was said to be Francis's pick for the first Asian pope.

Others include Cardinal Peter Erdo, the 72-year-old Archbishop of Budapest; Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the 71-year-old Archbishop of Munich and Freising; and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian who has served as Pope Francis's secretary of state since 2014.

Pope Francis awoke to his 6am alarm this morning before falling ill an hour later, Italian media are reporting.

The pontiff is believed to have died from a 'brain hemorrhage, possibly a stroke' at 7.35am, according to Corriere della Serra.

Doctors said that the leader of the Catholic Church 'passed away peacefully', with an official cause of death expected to be released by Vatican officials at around 8pm this evening.

The Pope's death came just hours after he made an Easter Sunday appearance at the Vatican where he greeted thousands of Catholics.

For about 50 minutes, the pontiff's vehicle slowly moved through the masses in 21C heat, but Italian media now speculate that doctors would have advised against him bathing in the crowd as he was likely immunocompromised.

Francis's body will now lie in state in St Peter's Basilica for three days before his eventual burial in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

• Read more about the circumstances surrounding the Pope's death via this link.

The European Commission has announced it will be lowering its EU flags, just as America has, in memory of the pontiff.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU commission, said: '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.'

Former Italian goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon has paid tribute to the late Pope Francis with a post on social media.

Captioning a photo of the pair together, Buffon wrote...

Francis was a special Pope, capable of illuminating his time as only the greatest can.

He was a spiritual and moral point of reference, who always spoke to the heart of the world, with simplicity, humanity and strength.

He showed us the way with great courage and shook the soul, I will carry his example in my heart forever.

President Trump has made his first comments since the death of Pope Franics last night, aged 88.

In a speech at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll event this afternoon, Trump said: 'I have just signed a state order putting all of our country's federal and stage flags at half-mast in honour of Pope Francis.

'He was a good man, he worked hard and he loved the world - it's an honour to do that.'

While the Catholic Church's highest authorities will soon gather to elect his successor, the Vatican currently has a more pressing priority.

With the weather in Rome remaining warm and humid, the Pope's body will need to be embalmed to prevent the rapid onset of decay.

Although the details of this process have historically varied from Pope to Pope, Pope Francis' body will likely be drained of blood and flooded with preservative chemicals.

Veins will be opened in the Pope's neck and a mixture likely containing dyes, alcohol, water, and formaldehyde will be pumped in.

Just like a blood transfusion, this preservative mixture will wash through the circulatory system and push out the congealed blood which would lead to decay.

• Read the full story by our science reporter Wiliam Hunter here

Pope Francis received Thomas Bach at the Vatican in January this year

Pope Francis inspired International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach to create the Olympic refugee team, the German said in a tribute.

Bach, the most powerful person in sport, said the IOC had lost 'a great friend and supporter'.

However, it was his support for refugees which had left the greatest mark.

In a statement, he said:

His powerful voice in support of refugees is a shining example of his commitment, and it inspired me to create the first-ever refugee Olympic team for the Olympic Games Rio 2016. He has graciously followed and supported this initiative throughout three Olympic Games editions, encouraging its growth and impact. This ongoing encouragement also led to the creation of the Olympic Refuge Foundation in 2017.

Bach, who steps down in June and will be succeeded by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry, was grateful for Pope Francis' support throughout his 12-year papacy.

He added:

I got to know His Holiness as a very pensive intellectual who was humble and had a very good sense of humour. His deep passion for sport and the Olympic values was always obvious.

Argentina's President Javier Milei is reportedly travelling to Rome following the death of his compatriot Pope Francis.

Argentine media say Milei is heading to the Italian capital and should arrive on Wednesday.

Admitting to have previous 'differences' with Francis, whom he called an 'imbecile' during the 2023 presidential race, Mr Milei sent his condolences and suggested the men had made up.

Earlier he tweeted:

With deep sorrow, I learn this sad morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace. Despite differences that now seem minor, having had the chance to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honor for me.

As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of Faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all those who are grappling with this sad news today. RIP.

US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Monday ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff to honour Pope Francis after the Argentine pontiff's death aged 88.

Trump ordered that the flag be lowered at the White House and public and military properties, as well as on naval vessels and foreign diplomatic missions, 'as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis.'

King Charles and Queen Camilla had a 'very significant and special' secret meeting with Pope Francis, less than a fortnight before he died.

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

The Vatican subsequently released a striking image of Charles and Camilla shaking hands with the ailing pontiff.

The King today spoke of his and the Queen's 'deep sadness' over the death of the Pope, but recalled with fondness their most recent meeting.

• Read the inside story of the meeting by Ryan Hooper and Rebecca English here

Watch our videos for possible contenders to succeed Pope Francis in the Vatican with an election likely to take place in May.

Christians in Gaza attend the Easter Mass in the war-torn city

Members of Gaza's tiny Christian community said they were 'heartbroken' on Monday at the death of Pope Francis, who campaigned for peace for the devastated enclave and spoke to them on the phone every evening throughout the war.

Across the wider Middle East, Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian Christians, both Catholic and Orthodox, praised Francis' constant engagement with them as a source of solace at a time when their communities faced wars, disasters, hardship and persecution.

George Antone, 44, head of the emergency committee at the Holy Family Church in Gaza, told Reuters:

We lost a saint who taught us every day how to be brave, how to keep patient and stay strong. We lost a man who fought every day in every direction to protect this small herd of his.

Francis called the church hours after the war in Gaza began in October 2023, Antone said, the start of what the Vatican News Service would describe as a nightly routine throughout the war. He would make sure to speak not only to the priest but to everyone else in the room, Antone said.

He added:

We are heartbroken because of the death of Pope Francis, but we know that he is leaving behind a church that cares for us and that knows us by name - every single one of us. He used to tell each one: I am with you, don't be afraid.

The battle to succeed Pope Francis is one for the very soul of the Catholic Church and its over a billion followers around the world.

Whoever becomes the 267th Pope will dictate the direction of the Church for the next decade or more on the most pressing, and contentious, issues facing society.

Pope Francis broke with the conservative stance of his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and his papacy will be remembered for his liberalism on LGBTQ+ rights, his support for refugees, and his focus on climate change.

In recent years Francis has done a great deal to shape the makeup of the ancient and secretive group that will appoint his successor, with about 80 per cent of the 138 Cardinals eligible to vote having been appointed by him, meaning there is a good chance the next Pope will be somebody loyal to Francis who takes a liberal approach to the Papacy.

However this is far from certain as once the College of Cardinals convenes for the 'highly political' process known as the conclave, all bets could be off.

While it may come down to a battle between conservative and liberal factions, there is certainly no unified block and many of the Cardinals appointed by Francis come from a wide range of countries that have starkly different views on issues such as the role of women in the Church and attitudes towards gay Catholics. Relationships and personalities will also be at play.

• Read the full story by Sam Merriman, Tom Cotterill and Ross Clark here

Pope Francis's favourite football team has paid tribute to him on social media following his death.

San Lorenzo, who play in Argentina's Primera Division, said Francis 'always transmitted his passion' for the club from supporting them as a child right up until he was Pope.

In a statement, the club referred to Francis as a 'Cuervo', the Spanish word for 'crow' and one of two nicknames for San Lorenzo along with cición, meaning 'cyclone'.

The club said:

He was never just one of us, and he was always one of us. Cuervo as a child and as a man... Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal... Cuervo also as Pope. He always transmitted his passion for Ciclón: when he went to the Viejo Gasómetro to watch the '46 team, when he confirmed Angelito Correa in the chapel at Ciudad Deportiva, when he received Barça visitors at the Vatican, always with total happiness.

Member No. 88235. From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francisco, there was one thing that never changed: his love for Ciclón. Wrapped in profound sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francisco: Goodbye, thank you, and see you forever! We will be together for eternity!

The next pope must be someone 'of great inner strength' and 'inner peace', the leader of Catholics in England and Wales has said.

Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols was asked about the qualities of a new pontiff, at a press conference in London on Monday.

He told reporters:

I think we're jumping ahead a bit. The Holy See, I think, is asking for nine days of mourning, and in a way that's more important than speculation about the next bit. He has to be a man of great inner strength, and I think great inner peace.

I'm not as privileged as Tim (Cardinal Timothy Ratcliffe) in meeting Pope Francis that often, but one time I did meet him and he said to me that after his election, he goes along to the chapel of St Paul before appearing on the balcony.

And he said to me, from that moment in the chapel of St Paul to that day when we were talking, he said, 'I have never lost my inner peace', so I think those inner capacities, closeness to God and peace are the absolute essentials.

The Tour of the Alps cycle race did get under way after a minute's silence

The Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) has called for all sporting events due to take place in Italy today to be postponed following the death of Pope Francis.

They also suggested a minute's silence to be observed at events 'throughout the week'.

'We invited national federations and all organisers of sporting events to suspend their competitions on Monday,' read the CONI statement.

Cycling race the Tour of the Alps, a key lead-up race to the Giro d'Italia, did get under way after observing a minute's silence.

Four Serie A matches scheduled to take place had already been postponed, with the league saying they would take place on Wednesday at 6:30 pm local time (1630 GMT).

Udinese's game at Torino, Fiorentina's visit to Cagliari, Genoa's match against Lazio and Juventus' trip to Parma will now finish shortly before Inter Milan's Italian Cup semi-final second leg against AC Milan kicks off.

Serie A also postponed matches in its youth league.

Many celebrities have also paid tribute to Pope Francis alongside world leaders. Let's take a look at the A-listers who have expressed their condolences.

• Whoopi Goldberg

Known for her role in 1992 comedy musical Sister Act, Goldberg the Pope twice in 12 months, first in 2023 and then as one of a group of 100 of the world's most famous comedians who congregated at an event organised by the Vatican in Rome in 2024.

He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and non-believer. He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Francis with your love of humanity and laughter.

• Antonio Banderas

Spanish actor Banderas, 64, shared a photo of himself with the Pope 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.

• Eva Longoria

The Desperate Housewives star also met the pope in 2016 and paid tribute.

Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.

• Read the full story by our showbiz reporter Rebecca Lawrence here

People pray at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral following the Pope's death

Mourners at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral have paid tribute to Pope Francis.

Inside the cathedral, some signed a book of condolences left next to photo of the late Pope.

A special mass will take place at 7pm on Tuesday.

Lillian Norris, 66, from Amersham, in Bucks, said the Pope had lived a 'significant and good life'.

I think he brought unity to the role because the Catholic Church has been through some turbulent times. To be in that role, you need to be a strong character and he was. He brought some positive changes and modernised the Church as well. I think he reached out and touched people more than other Popes did.

Gina Dougan, 65, said she came to the cathedral with her younger sister Julie to pray and write a message in the book of condolences.

The news of his death was a bit of a shock. I was not expecting it because he seemed to have pulled through and did the Easter mass. We’re both going to Rome in June, so we’ll see a different Pope then.I think Pope Francis did great service for the Church and I felt a a connection to him because my dad was called Francis.

James Brennan, 59, was visiting Liverpool from York with his wife Jo.

We heard the news of the Pope’s death this morning like millions of others. So we thought it was appropriate to come to the Cathedral and pay our respects. He brought a lot of humility to his public and private life and did not indulge in some of the trappings of office.

Neil Devaney, 47, from Liverpool, said he retained his Catholic faith but didn’t attend church regularly.

It wasn’t my intention to come to the Cathedral. But I was walking around the city centre and it seemed the right thing to do. I think lot of people will be touched by his death, regardless of their faith. I grew up a Catholic and went to a Catholic school but I didn’t feel a strong connection with Pope Francis. I felt more of a connection with Pope John Paul II, probably because he visited Liverpool.

St. Peter's Basilica in Rome

Pope Francis's death will mark a significant break from traditional papal funerals - including how he will become the first pontiff to be buried outside of the Vatican in more than a century.

Although a papal funeral has traditionally been an elaborate affair, Pope Francis made the decision ahead of his death to approve plans to make it less complex.

While previous pontiffs, including the late Pope Benedict, have been buried in the traditional triple coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, Francis instead chose a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc.

The tradition of the Pope's body being placed on a catafalque inside St Peter's Basilica for the world to pay its respects has also been scrapped.

Francis' body will instead remain inside the coffin, with the lid removed, with mourners invited to pay their respects.

The late pontiff will also become the first Pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

He will instead be laid to rest in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood, rather than in the grottoes beneath St Peter's, which houses the tombs of around 90 popes.

The last Pope to be buried outside St Peter's was Leo XIII (1878-1903) who was interred in the Basilica of St John Lateran, which is the church for the Bishop of Rome.

• Read the full story by Arthur Parashar and Nick Pisa here

The Vatican's website has been updated following the death of Pope Francis.

The message on the home page now reads: 'Sede Apostolica Vacante', which, in Latin, means the seat is vacant.

We reported earlier how the Vatican has started some rituals in preparation for life after Francis.

His body is expected to be transferred to the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived, so that Vatican officials can pay their final respects.

Unsure about what happens next following the death of Pope Francis.

MailOnline's Tiktok team set out when Francis's funeral will be held and when his successor in the Vatican will be elected.

See our video explainer below:

Pope Francis spent his final day celebrating Easter Sunday with Catholic faithful in St Peter's Square.

An aide to the 88-year-old pontiff delivered his 'Urbi et Orbi' benediction from a balcony overlooking the square following mass to mark the holiday.

Images showed Francis in traditional white robes on the central lodge of St Peter's Basilica as he waved to the eager crowds.

Here are some of our favourite photos from Easter Sunday:

Former US president Barack Obama has described Pope Francis as a 'rare leader' who made people want to better themselves.

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'.

Italian media are reporting a possible cause of Pope Francis's death ahead of an expected official announcement tonight.

Francis died due to a 'cerebral hemorrhage', possibly a stroke, which is said to be unrelated to the respiratory problems and pneumonia he suffered in February, outlets La Repubblica and La Stampa claim.

His doctors said that he 'passed away peacefully', according to reports.

The official cause of death will be announced this evening at 8pm, according to the Holy See press office.

• Read the full story by Miriam Kuepper here

They had come from around the world and crammed into St Peter's Square to hear the pope deliver an appeal for peace on Easter. A day later, he was dead.

Tourists and pilgrims who flocked to Rome for Holy Week were dazed with shock at news of the death of Francis, the morning after he had driven in his open-topped pope mobile through crowds cheering "viva il papa!" on Christianity's holiest day.

Father Bachai, a retired priest from the United States who had come to Rome for Holy Week, compared the pain of learning of the pope's sudden death to a bruise.

He appeared in public yesterday, looked healthy. I was so shocked, and sad of course.

Sue Rak, visiting Rome from Ghana with her husband and child, said she believed Francis 'wanted to meet God'.

May he rest in peace. He has done well in the world. He wanted to protect the weak.

Emanuela Tinari, who is from Rome and was with her boyfriend Gianmarco Omiccioli, added

This is something that really hits you hard. He was a pope who brought so many people closer to the church.

Frank Lavis Tourneta, was visiting from the French island of Corsica, said:

Today I see a sign of the Christian religion that Pope Francis has died today and gone to heaven. I believe that it is a strong sign for the Christian faith today.

President Donald Trump and his White House predecessor Joe Biden led the way in paying respects from the United States for Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88.

Trump, who has had a sometimes thorny relationship with the Vatican, issued a short post on his Truth Social platform, saying:

Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!

Biden, who was only the second Roman Catholic to serve as US president, hailed the late pope as 'unlike any who came before him.'

'Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him,' Biden wrote on X alongside a picture of him and the Pope.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic, said he was 'saddened' and added 'we unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff's soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church.'

For 38 days, Pope Francis received treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital as his health struggles were played out in front of the world.

Francis spent much of his last few weeks in hospital having first been admitted on February 14 with bronchitis and a slight fever. This would later be found to be a polymicrobial — meaning multiple types of virus, bacteria or fungi — infection.

Here's a timeline of his time in hospital:

• February 14

Pope Francis is hospitalized with bronchitis and a slight fever immediately following a morning of audiences. Doctors diagnose respiratory tract infection. Two subsequent events in the following days are canceled, and a cardinal is slotted in for the pope to celebrate a Sunday Jubilee Mass.

• February 17

Pope Francis is diagnosed with polymicrobial (bacterial, viral and fungal) infection in the respiratory passages, marking a setback. Treatment adjusted. Wednesday general audience canceled.

• February 18

Chest scan indicates Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, marking another setback. Cortisone and antibiotic treatments are confirmed. Jubilee audience on Saturday is canceled.

• February 21

Pope's doctors say at a news conference that the pope remains in critical condition and isn't out of danger, but that his condition isn't imminently life-threatening. Doctors say the pope has developed steroid-induced diabetes that is being treated. Warn of sepsis risk. Prognosis is guarded.

• February 22

Pope in critical condition after experiencing a respiratory crisis and requires high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes, in the first mention of assisted breathing. Francis also receives two blood transfusions after tests show signs of anemia and low platelet count that later are resolved. Setback.

• February 23

Doctors report that the pope has gone into onset of slight kidney failure, in a setback. No repeat of the respiratory crisis, but he remains in critical condition.

• March 1

Condition stable after respiratory crisis. Pope alternates noninvasive mechanic ventilation mask with long periods of nasal tube with high flows of supplemental oxygen.

• March 9

Pope Francis continues to gradually improve and remains in a 'stable' condition in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, according to the Holy See Press Office on Sunday evening.

• March 15

The pontiff is experiencing 'gradual improvments,' with the Holy Sea confirming that the Pope is still undergoing high-flow oxygen therapy in the day in order to progressively reduce the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the night.

• March 23

Pope Francis leaves hospital

He was once a little boy who wanted to be a lorry driver and received his calling to the priesthood while watching his beloved Liverpool FC from the Kop at Anfield.

But now Britain’s top Catholic is said to stand an outside chance of succeeding Pope Francis – and becoming the first English Pontiff since the 12th century.

Liverpool-born Cardinal Vincent Nichols has been Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales since 2009. He was made a Cardinal in 2014.

The clergyman, 79, was ordained over 55 years ago and originally served in his home city before becoming Archbishop of Birmingham in 2000, prior to being given the UK's top job.

In more recent years, Pope Francis appointed him to wider roles including being president of the Santa Marta group, an alliance of Catholic bishops and police chiefs around the world, launched in 2014.

• Read the full story by Richard Marsden here

From crying babies to escaping hats, Pope Francis was unafraid to show his light-hearted side during his 12 years in the Vatican.

Watch his funniest moments below:

We've reported plenty of reaction from the Royal Family and the UK's political leaders but the reaction to the death of Pope Francis has seen world leaders express their condolences.

• Emmanuel Macron - French President

From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. To unite people with one another and with nature. May this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him. To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts.

• JD Vance - US Vice President

I just learned 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.

• Giorgia Meloni - Italian Prime Minister

Pope Francis has returned to the Father's house. A piece of news that deeply saddens us, because it leaves us without a great man and a great shepherd. I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, and his teachings, which never faltered even in moments of trial and suffering.

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan - Turkish President

A respected statesman, Pope Francis was also a spiritual leader who valued dialogue between different faith groups and took the initiative in the face of human tragedies, especially the Palestinian issue and the genocide in Gaza. On behalf of myself and my nation, I extend my condolences and offer my condolences to the family of the deceased, the Vatican State and the Catholic world.

• Narendra Modi - Prime Minister of India

Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.

• Friedrich Merz - Leader of the Christian Democratic Union

The death of Pope Francis fills me with great sadness. Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Humility and faith in God's mercy guided him in this. In doing so, the first Latin American to sit on the Holy See touched people worldwide, across denominational boundaries.

The Vatican is preparing the first rituals following Francis' death.

The body of the pope is expected to be transferred within the course of the day to the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived, so that Vatican officials can pay their final respects.

There, the head of the Vatican health service examines the body, ascertains the cause of death and writes a report which is expected late Monday.

The body rests in the pope's personal chapel for the ritual pronouncement of death, presided over by the camerlengo, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See administration between the death or resignation of one pope and the election of another.

For the public, the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, is expected to lead a recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter's Square later on Monday.

The Vatican has suspended due to Pope Francis' death a planned ceremony for the Catholic Church to proclaim the first saint from the millennial generation, it said in a statement on Monday.

Carlo Acutis, an Italian boy who died from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was originally set to be made a saint at a ceremony in St. Peter's Square on April 27.

Read more here:

Cathedral staff set up an image of Pope Francis inside Westminster Cathedral

Churchgoers pray silently following the Pope's death

A mass will be held at the cathedral later on Monday

Churchgoers 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.

A mass will be held at Westminster Cathedral in London at 5.30pm on Monday.

Zelensky and Francis at the Vatican in 2024

Putin also received an audience in 2019 during a visit to Italy

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have joined world leaders in paying tribute to Pope Francis.

The two countries may be at war following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 but their opposing presidents have both paid tribute to the 88-year-old pontiff.

Zelensky says his country grieves together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Francis for spiritual support.

'He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. Eternal memory!' Zelensky wrote on X.

In a letter of condolences,Putin noted the pope's international clout as a 'consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice.'

Putin said that the pope 'actively encouraged the development of a dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See.'

Catholic worshippers in St Peter's Square have been giving their reaction following the death of Pope Francis, with one describing how it was 'almost a miracle' he made it to Easter Sunday.

The 88-year-old spent 38 days in hospital earlier this year after a respiratory illness developed into double pneumonia. He left hospital last month but had his commitments scaled down ahead of Easter celebrations.

Sister Monica Gonzales, who was visiting from Mexico, called Francis' death 'a great loss for the church and for the whole world. A pope who worked so hard for peace, and for the good of all. Let's all pray for him.'

Eva Bonnano, from Philadelphia, called it 'a very sad day. It is honestly impressive, I think, that he made it to Easter, I think that is almost like a miracle for Italy.'

Johann Xavier said he had traveled from Australia, hoping to see the pope during his visit. 'But then we heard about it when we came in here. It pretty much devastated all of us. It is really sad,' he said.

Pope Francis wished a 'Happy Easter to everyone' in his final poignant act of devotion that saw him heavily supported by his aides.

Francis, who died today aged 88, delighted the crowd of 35,000 faithful at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.

But the pontiff, appearing weary and fatigued, needed help from his aides while he sat on the balcony and watched Easter blessing was read aloud by a senior cardinal.

Aides were seen adjusting his papal robes and helping Francis drink water through a straw as the blessing was delivered.

He didn't celebrate the Easter Mass in the piazza yesterday and instead delegated it to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica.

Francis left hospital under 'protected discharge' on March 23 after suffering an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs earlier this year.

• Read the full story by Natasha Anderson here

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

The Vatican is today making preparations for the next pontiff following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

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.

After Francis became the first Latin American Pope in 2013, the world now waits to see who will succeed him with several contenders said to be in the frame.

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

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

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.

Here are some of the latest photographs we can show you from St Peter's Square where emotions are running high following the death of Pope Francis.

Many worshippers have been pictured looking despondent as the Catholic Church faces electing a new pontiff.

Mass services are expeceted to take place in Catholic cathedrals across the globe in response to Francis's death at the age of 88.