Vatican confirm Pope Francis died of stroke and heart failure

The Vatican says Pope Francis died of a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure.

His death was confirmed earlier today, saying 'His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.'

The Pope's death at the age of 88 came after he emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless the thousands of people in St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

He had recently resumed some official duties after being treated in hospital for pneumonia.

Prayers are being held at the Vatican this evening as tributes have been made throughout the day.

He has been remembered as someone full of compassion, mercy and "irrepressible hope" as Catholics come together to mourn the death of a pontiff hailed by the King and other world leaders.

The leader of the world's Roman Catholics was described by the King, whom he met in recent weeks, as someone who had "profoundly touched the lives of so many".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Francis had been "a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten".

At a mass in London in the Pope's honour on Monday evening, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales said while there is a "sadness of loss", there remains a "confidence of faith and hope".

A mass was also held for the soul of Pope Francis hours after his death, as the Archbishop of Glasgow said his social values resonated with the people of Scotland.

Around 400 mourners attended a 1pm mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in Glasgow.

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said it was with "deep sadness" he had learned of the Pope's death, while the Most Reverend Leo Cushley, the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, said he was "deeply saddened".