The Vatican says Pope Francis, aged 88 has died.

The Vatican made this known in a statement today.

The Pope, who was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at 07:35 local time on Easter Monday.

“At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

His death comes a day after he appeared in St Peter’s Square to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.

He was recently discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection.

French President, Emmanuel Macron is among the first world leaders to pay tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a “man of humility, on the side of the most vulnerable and most fragile”.

BBC