Francis, who died following a stroke aged 88 on Easter Monday just a day after greeting crowds in Vatican City, drew tributes for his strong advocacy for the poor and marginalised.
The leader of the world’s Roman Catholics was described by the King, whom he met in recent weeks, as someone who had “profoundly touched the lives of so many”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Francis had been “a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten”.
At a mass in London in the Pope’s honour on Monday evening, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales said while there is a “sadness of loss”, there remains a “confidence of faith and hope”.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols told worshippers at Westminster Cathedral: “We know a voice has fallen silent, a voice that’s been heard in every corner of the world, a voice of warm encouragement and sharp challenge, expressing both the love of God and a deep love of our shared humanity.
“This voice is silent, for a more authoritative voice has spoken – that of his heavenly father, calling him home to be with his lord and master forever.”
Mourners flocked to Westminster Cathedral in London (James Manning/PA)
Francis died after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has confirmed.
He had resumed some official duties earlier this month during his recovery from double pneumonia.
The Pope made his first public appearance on April 6 since becoming ill, when he appeared in St Peter’s Square in a wheelchair during a special jubilee mass for the sick following his discharge from hospital two weeks previously.
He had spent some time privately with Charles and Camilla on April 9 during their recent trip to Italy, and on Easter Sunday he briefly met Catholic US Vice President JD Vance.
The Vatican said Francis has decreed in his will that he will be buried in St Mary Major Basilica in a simple underground tomb with only “Franciscus” written on it....
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