Pope Francis has died aged 88, the Vatican has said - just one day after he addressed the Catholic world on Easter Sunday.
Francis, born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy.
And in late February, he suffered a "prolonged respiratory crisis" which required a high flow of oxygen before an "initial, mild" kidney failure.
On Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on the Vatican's TV channel: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
"At 7.35 this morning, 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.
Pope FrancisPA"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Despite his ill health, the Pope managed to meet world leaders in his final days - including King Charles and Queen Camilla.
On the church's most holy day yesterday, Francis had appeared at the Vatican in a wheelchair, and waved to crowds from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, saying: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter."
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Pope Francis wished King Charles and Queen Camilla a happy 20th wedding anniversary during their meetingGETTY
The Pope met US Vice President JD Vance, a Roman Catholic, for a brief private meeting on Sunday
REUTERS
He also met US Vice President JD Vance, a Roman Catholic, for a brief private meeting.
Sir Keir Starmer hailed the pontiff as "a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten".
"His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility," the Prime Minister said.
"With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
"My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic Church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace."
Pope Francis's final public appearance fell on Easter Sunday
REUTERS
"Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!" Donald Trump said, while Catholic former President Joe Biden added: "It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was 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.
"For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths.
"He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church.
"He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe.
"And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope - a light of faith, hope, and love."
Vladimir Putin said he had the "privilege of communicating" with the "outstanding" Pope Francis "on many occasions" throughout his tenure as pontiff.
The Russian President added that he would "forever retain the fondest memory of him" - while the Kremlin hailed Francis for how he "actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches" and the "constructive interaction between Russia and the Holy See".