Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The pontiff had been admitted to hospital in February to be treated for pneumonia and spent five weeks undergoing treatment where he suffered “two very critical episodes”.

He was discharged from hospital in late March and has delegated many of his duties while he recovered, including the traditional Easter mass, although he did make an appearance before crowds. His death was announced this morning by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”

He added: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.”

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI sensationally resigned from the holy post.

Pope Francis, as he became known, was the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

Elected on a mandate to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and finances, he became known as a comparatively liberal priest in comparison to his predecessors, telling reporters last year: “Being homosexual is not a crime.”

Yesterday, the Pope held a brief audience with US Vice President JD Vance, where the two exchanged Easter greetings.

The meeting is understood to have “lasted a few minutes” according to the Vatican, with the Pope having previously been critical of the US administration, condemning their policy on migration and pledge of mass deportations as “a disgrace”.

Yesterday, the Pope appeared before crowds at the traditional Easter mass, tanding on loggia balcony above the entrance to St Peter’s Basilica and waving as he said from his wheelchair: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!”

In his address to the crowds which was read by an aide, the Pope accused some countries of “stirring up contempt” towards migrants and the most vulnerable in society.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the Argentinian as “a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten”.

He said: “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.

“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world. That hope was as the heart of his papacy.

“His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.

“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 here in the UK and across the world. May His Holiness rest in peace.”

The US Vice President JD Vance has expressed his sorrow less than 24 hours after meeting the Pope briefly.

He said: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis.

“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”

The Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch said “his death on Easter Monday feels especially poignant.”

She said: “Pope Francis spent his final Easter yesterday bearing witness to the faith he devoted his life to — a quiet presence at a time when the world needed humility, courage, and conviction.

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“His death on Easter Monday feels especially poignant. He reminded us that leadership isn’t about power, but about service. When I met him in 2022, he spoke warmly of the UK and the values we share. In a world that too often turns away from faith, he stood firm. May he rest in peace.”

In accordance with Catholic tradition, Pope Francis must be buried between four and six days after the death, while the official period of mourning is observed for nine days. The period between the death of a pope and the election of a new pope is known as Sede Vacante.

Between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, cardinals aged under 80 arrive at the Vatican to begin the papal conclave, a secretive election process held to determine a successor.

Cardinals must vote in secret ballots until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Once a pope is elected, the dean of the cardinals asks him if he accepts his election, and he is instructed to choose a name.

The papal conclave ends when the new pope disbands it, traditionally after addressing the body of cardinals.