Pope Francis dead aged 88 - updates as tributes paid to leader of Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, a spokesperson for the Vatican has confirmed this morning (April 21).

The first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church passed away at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta on Easter Monday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a senior Vatican official described his 'deep sorrow' as he announced the death, which is understood to have occurred shortly after 7.30am.

Francis, who worked briefly as a nightclub bouncer in his native Argentina, had been Pope since march 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI.

On Easter Sunday, he had emerged from his convalescence to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile drive through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause as he continues his recovery from a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia.

“Viva il Papa!” (Long live the Pope), “Bravo!” the crowd shouted as Francis looped through the square in his open-topped popemobile and then up and down the main avenue leading to it

Ukrainian leader President Zelenskyy has paid tribute to the late pontiff.

Millions of people around the world are mourning the tragic news of Pope Francis’s passing. His life was devoted to God, to people, and to the Church.

He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians. We… pic.twitter.com/Ww6NtsbWWS

Those who met the Pope have opened up over their experiences of conversations with him this morning.

Professor of Catholic social thought and practice at Durham University, Anna Rowlands, spent two years seconded to the Vatican during his papacy.

She remembers him as a 'good-humoured' and 'totally normal' person - who wasn't immune to