King Charles pays emotional tribute after Pope Francis dies aged 88

King Charles has paid an emotional tribute after Pope Francis died aged 88 earlier this morning (21 April).

Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news on Monday (21 April) in an official statement which reads: "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 taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised."

The senior official's statement concluded: "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."

Following the news, Charles has since said that he and Queen Camilla - who visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, the day they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary - were 'most deeply saddened' to learn of the death of Pope Francis and 'were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month'.

The full statement reads: "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 statement concluded: "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."

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and Archbishop of Westminster, added: "The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general.

"A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen."

United Kingdom prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has also paid tribute to Pope Francis as 'a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten', saying 'hope was at the heart of his papacy'.

The Pope's death came after a period of ill health which saw him admitted to hospital in February for over a month due to double pneumonia.

His last public appearance came just one day before his death as he wished crowds a Happy Easter.

He will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of four major papal basilicas in Rome, instead of the traditional St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, as per his wishes.