Pope Francis dies aged 88

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.

His death comes after he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for 38 days after suffering from a respiratory crisis that developed into a double pneumonia.

It was his longest hospitalisation during his 12 years as the head of the Catholic Church.

The pontiff appeared yesterday in front of crowds in St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday, but handed his speech to an aide to read out loud, saying he had difficulty breathing.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said: “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.”

He continued: “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 Triune.”

Francis, born in Argentina, was the first Latin-American to take on the post. He was elected in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.

He was prone to respiratory infections after he had a part of one lung removed at the age of 21 and had had various health scares over recent years.

Leaders across the world have begun paying their tributes describing Francis as a “role model for many” who had an “unwavering commitment to the vulnerable”.

First Minister John Swinney paid tribute to Francis as “a voice of peace”  who brought “hope to many”.

In a post on X, he said: “It is with deep sadness I heard the news this morning of the death of Pope Francis. He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many. May he rest in peace.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also posted a tribute on X: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Holy Father dedicated his life to serving the poor and dispossessed. My thoughts are with Scotland’s Catholic communities and Catholics worldwide.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he “joins millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis”, describing him as “a pope for the poor” and “the forgotten”.

His statement said: “His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the Church was 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 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 across the world and the Roman Catholic Church. May His Holiness rest in peace.”

In his last address, Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the “deplorable humanitarian situation” caused by the 18-month-long conflict.

His statement said: “I express my closeness to the sufferings … of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater commended his “commitment to securing peace for the people of Palestine” and tackling the climate crisis, “even in his last days”.

A nine-day mourning period will begin after his burial, with the papal conclave to choose their next pope to begin within the next 15-20 days.

More to follow...