The world will be watching Vatican City after the death of the 88-year-old pontiff on Easter Monday.
Francis died after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said.
Tributes poured in from around the world on Monday, including from the King and other world leaders, with many praising the Pope for his advocacy for the marginalised.
A picture of Pope Francis on display in Westminster Cathedral in Victoria, London, following the announcement by the Vatican of his death aged 88 (James Manning/PA)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Francis had been “a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten”.
He was described by the King, whom he met in recent weeks, as someone who had “profoundly touched the lives of so many”.
His death starts a centuries-old ritual, where first the camerlengo, Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, certifies Pope Francis’s death and seals the papal apartment.
Cardinal Farrell will carry out the administrative and financial duties of the Holy See until a new pope takes over.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell will carry out administrative duties until a new pope takes over (Niall Carson/PA)
Before the cardinals, senior members of the Catholic Church, convene in the Sistine Chapel for the conclave – the secret meeting at which a new pope will b...
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