Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed, just hours after a hoped-for Easter Sunday appearance at St Peter’s Square.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he became the first Latin American pontiff in 2013 and led the Catholic Church for over a decade.
The Pope had recently been hospitalised for 38 days with double pneumonia, following a respiratory crisis that worsened his long-standing lung condition.
Despite health struggles, including partial lung removal in his youth and chronic bronchitis, Francis continued public duties until shortly before his passing.
Tributes are pouring in from around the world in honour of the beloved and historic leader.