Pope Francis: Tributes pour in around the world for 'man of humility' as Keir Starmer hails 'Pope for the poor'

Argentina declares SEVEN days of mourning for first-ever Pope from the country

Argentina has declared a week of mourning in response to the Pope's death.

The South American nation's Government this morning confirmed the move - while Argentines held a special Mass in the cathedral in Buenos Aires where Francis was once Archbishop.

"The pope of the poor has left us, the pope of the marginalized," said Jorge Garcia Cuerva, now Archbishop of Buenos Aires, referring to Francis' time working in the city's poor districts which led to his nickname, the "slum Pope".

"He insisted on building bridges, he insisted that we live in universal brotherhood. The Pope was our father, the father of the poor, the father of mercy. The best tribute we Argentines can pay to Francis is to unite."

Barack Obama: Francis 'made us want to be better people'

Barack Obama said: "Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people.

"In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound - embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners - he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.

"Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world - Catholic and non-Catholic alike - who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope's example.

"May we continue to heed his call to 'never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope'."

Pope Francis's body to be transferred to Vatican for homage by Wednesday

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican's press chief, has just said that the Pope's body could be moved to the Vatican Basilica by Wednesday.

Bruni told reporters: "The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning, April 23 2025, according to the modalities that will be established and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of Cardinals."

Argentina's Javier Milei: 'Knowing Pope Francis was a true honour'

Like Donald Trump, Argentina's President Javier Milei has released a personal statement following an earlier official message from his office.

It reads: "It is with profound sorrow that I learned this sad morning that Pope Francis, Jorge Bergoglio, passed away today and is now resting in peace.

"Despite differences that seem minor today, having been able to know him in his kindness and wisdom was a true honour for me.

"As President, as an Argentine, and, fundamentally, as a man of faith, I bid farewell to the Holy Father and stand with all of us who are today dealing with this sad news."

Donald Trump issues Truth Social statement

Donald Trump has paid tribute to the Pope following the White House's statement earlier today.

The President said: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"

Joe Biden: 'He was the People's Pope'

Joe Biden said: "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."

Pope Francis's football team San Lorenzo releases emotional statement to 'one of us' pontiff

San Lorenzo, the Argentine football club which Pope Francis supported, has released a statement following his death.

"He was never just one of us, but always one of us. Cuervo [a nickname for a San Lorenzo supporter] as a child and as a man... Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal... Cuervo as Pope too," it reads.

"He always transmitted his passion for Ciclón: when he went to the Viejo Gasómetro [stadium] to see the '46 team, when he confirmed [now-Atletico Madrid forward] Angelito Correa in the Ciudad Deportiva chapel, when he received Barcelona visitors at the Vatican, always with total happiness... Member No. 88235.

"From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, there was one thing that never changed: his love for the Cyclone.

"Wrapped in deep sorrow, from San Lorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell! We will be together for eternity!"

Spain declares three days of national mourning

Spain has declared three days of national mourning following the Pope's death, its Justice Minister Felix Bolanos has said.

It comes just months after the country did the same following a series of deadly flash floods at the end of 2024.

Vatican issues update on Pope's body as cardinals assemble for death rites

The Vatican has issued an update on what happens next following the Pope's death.

"Following the notification of the death of the Roman Pontiff Francis... This evening, Monday April 21 at 8pm, His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of the ascertainment of death and the laying of the body in the coffin.

"The Most Eminent Dean of the College of Cardinals, the family members of the Roman Pontiff, the Director and Vice Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, who will be in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctæ Marthæ at 7.45pm, are therefore requested to take part in the rite."

Union flags to fly at half-mast across the Royal Estate

The Union flag will be flown half-mast at royal residences where the King is not in residence, GB News understands.

Sombre music will played at the Changing the Guard ceremony to reflect "the sadness of the occasion", a royal source said.

A member of the Royal Family is expected to attend the Pope's funeral, if the Vatican is in agreement, but it is too early to say who will travel to pay their respects.

Argentina's Javier Milei pays tribute to Francis - and praises cost-cutting in the Vatican

Argentina's presidency office said in a statement on Monday that it "deeply regretted" the death of Pope Francis, the first Argentine leader of the global Catholic Church.

President Javier Milei, who had clashed in the past with the Pope - before repairing relations in office - praised his focus on inter-religious dialogue, building up spirituality amongst the young and his focus on cost-cutting in the Vatican.

READ IN FULL: Sir Keir Starmer's message of condolence to Pope Francis

"I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

"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 at 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."

King Charles honours Pope Francis following his death in personal statement just weeks after Vatican audience

Following the death of Pope Francis, His Majesty the King - the head of the Church of England - has issued the following message: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis.

"Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world.

"Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.

"The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.

"We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ."

READ THE FULL STORY ON THE KING'S MESSAGE HERE

Vladimir Putin: 'I will forever retain the fondest memory of Pope Francis'

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".

Italian PM Meloni: Pope Francis 'wanted to do his duty until the very end'

"The Pope and I had a more active relationship than was apparent. It went well beyond our respective institutional roles," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the country's state broadcaster Rai today.

"We've met many times, even just to exchange opinions. He was able to give comfort in very difficult moments, I have many memories of the Pope," she added in a broken voice.

"The fact he's leaving on Easter Monday, it's like he wanted to do his duty until the very end," Meloni added, saying he had appeared fatigued at their most recent meeting.

She said the Pope kept in a drawer some artwork her daughter had made for him. She was also proud of convincing him to become the first pontiff to address a G7 summit in 2024.

"We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness," she added in an official statement.

Australian PM Albanese pays tribute to first Southern Hemisphere Pope

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "Australian Catholics and faithful around the world give thanks for the life of their Holy Father, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome.

"Today, the prayers of more than a billion people - from all nations and every walk of life - go with Pope Francis to his rest."

He added: "The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere was 'close to the people of Australia'. For Australian Catholics, he was a devoted champion and loving father."

All flags in the country will fly at half-mast tomorrow, Albanese continued.

White House pays tribute to Pope

The White House has released a brief statement in tribute to the Pope.

It reads simply: "Rest in peace, Pope Francis," alongside an image of Donald Trump with the pontiff in 2017, and JD Vance yesterday.

Sadiq Khan: Francis 'demonstrated how cooperation between faiths was a force for good'

Sadiq Khan said: "As the Mayor to a city of more than one million Catholics, I want to express my sadness, and the sadness of all Londoners, at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

"He was a man of courage and humility who demonstrated how cooperation between faiths was a force for good."

Justin Welby: 'May he rest in peace and rise in glory'

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: "It is with a deep sense of personal sadness that I mourn the death of my friend, His Holiness Pope Francis.

"With our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters - along with the global Church and many more around the world - I'm filled with a great sense of loss. He was a Pope who spoke not just to the Catholic church, but far beyond it. His leadership was felt powerfully among us in the Anglican Communion.

"From the very first days of his papacy he was an example of humility. He constantly reminded us of the importance of serving the poor, always standing with those who faced persecution and hardship.

"During my time as Archbishop of Canterbury, it was a great privilege to work with him in peacebuilding, not least in South Sudan. Over the years he became a friend and I will miss him deeply.

"For his commitment to walking together as Roman Catholics and Anglicans, and for his vision and passion for working for ever greater reconciliation and unity between all Christian denominations, I am profoundly grateful.

"I give thanks to God for the life of this faithful servant of Christ. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."

DUP leader Gavin Robinson: Francis 'held in deep affection by many in Northern Ireland'

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: "Pope Francis was held in deep affection by many in Northern Ireland.

"We extend our respectful sympathies to all those grieving his passing.

"While many within the unionist community may hold different theological views, it is important to recognise the profound respect and admiration that many of our fellow countrymen and women had for the humble caretaker who entered the priesthood and died as the head of the Roman Catholic church.

"At this moment, we acknowledge their sorrow and offer our sincere condolences."

German Chancellor: 'The world has lost an advocate for the weak'

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church and the world lose an advocate for the weak, a reconciling and a warm-hearted person.

"I greatly appreciated his clear view of the challenges we face. My sympathies go out to the religious community worldwide."

Tony Blair: Francis 'an extraordinary and devoted servant'

Tony Blair said: "Pope Francis was an extraordinary and devoted servant of the Catholic Church, admired both within and beyond it for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and the service of all humanity - Christian and non-Christian alike.

"Cherie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace."

Irish President Michael D Higgins: 'My deepest sympathies to all Catholics'

"As President of Ireland, may I join with all those across the world, from their different stations in life, who have expressed such profound sadness on learning of the death of Pope Francis," Michael D Higgins said.

"Pope Francis, in his important messages and in the presentation of his Papacy with a unique humility, sought to show in the most striking and moving of ways the extraordinary importance of the spiritual as a powerful source of global ethics in the challenges of contemporary life.

"On the vital issues of our time - such as global hunger and poverty, of climate change and justice, of the plight of migrants and indigenous peoples, of the dispossessed, of the fundamental necessity of global peace and diplomacy - Pope Francis's voice constituted a consistent invocation of a shared humanity that is represented by acknowledgement of the essential dignity of each human person."

Higgins said he discussed these issues "at length" with Francis during five meetings they had during his papacy.

"May I express my deepest sympathies to the Apostolic Nuncio, to Archbishop Eamon Martin and all Religious in Ireland, to members of the Catholic faith throughout Ireland and across the world, to all those who will particularly feel his loss in his native Argentina and across South and Central America, and to all those of all faiths and none who were so inspired by his life and work."

Archbishop of York leads Church of England's tributes to Pope Francis

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, acting as leader of the Church of England following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, said: "Francis's whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve.

"We saw that compellingly in Francis's service of the poor his love of neighbour, especially the displaced, migrant; the asylum seeker, his deep compassion for the well-being of the earth and his desire to lead and build the church in new ways.

Acknowledging the pontiff's efforts in working alongside the Church of England despite "division" with the Catholic Church, Cottrell recalled Pope Francis' historic trip to South Sudan in 2023 alongside former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields.

"Pope Francis was acutely aware of the divisions between our churches and how they stand in the way of seeing Jesus Christ more fully," Cottrell added.

"I remember, in the brief times spent with him, how this holy man of God, was also very human.

"He was witty, lively, good to be with, and the warmth of his personality and interest in others shone out from him."

All top-level football matches in Italy postponed

All top-level football matches in Italy have been postponed following the Pope's death.

A statement from Serie A, Italy's top division, reads: "Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today's league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 [the youth competition] have been postponed. The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course."

READ IN FULL: Vatican statement following death of Pope Francis

The Vatican's statement following Pope Francis's death, released by Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, can be read in full here.

VATICAN STATEMENT IN FULL: READ HERE

Nigel Farage: 'My sympathies to all Catholics'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: "My sympathies go out to all in the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis. I met him and liked him very much."

Sir Ed Davey: Pope's death 'a profound loss to millions'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "Pope Francis's passing is a profound loss to millions across the world. He was a leader of compassion and courage, speaking up for those in need and calling for peace in a world too often divided.

"His influence reached far beyond the Church. He offered hope by reminding us of strength in kindness and faith.

"We should remember his example: stand up for what's right, care for others, and hold onto compassion and hope."

Archbishop of Westminster speaks out

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols - the de facto head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales - said: "A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent."

JD Vance: 'May God rest his soul'

US Vice President JD Vance, who met the Pope just yesterday, 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 homily he gave in the very early days of Covid. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul."

Kemi Badenoch: 'In a world that too often turns away from faith, Francis stood firm'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch 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.

"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."

Polish President Andrzej Duda: Francis was 'an apostle of mercy'

Polish President Andrzej Duda said following the Pope's death: "Today Pope Francis went to the Father's House.

"In his pastoral ministry, he was guided by humility and modesty. He chose as his papal motto the words of his episcopal motto: 'Miserando atque eligendo' - 'He looked with mercy and chose'.

"He was a great apostle of mercy, in which he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world. My wife and I join in prayer with the faithful of the entire Catholic Church.

"Shine, Lord, on his soul!"

Emmanuel Macron: My thoughts go out to the grieving world

French President Emmanuel Macron, nearly a third of whose country is Catholic, said: "From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world."

John Swinney: Francis brought hope to many

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney was among the first to issue a statement in response to the Pope's death.

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."