BREAKING: Pope Francis is dead

The head of the Catholic church, Pope Francis is dead.

In a statement, the Vatican said the pope “died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta”.

He was 88 years of age.

Cardinal Farrell, camerlengo of the Catholic church, said the pope passed away at 7:35am.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell said.

“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 fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized.

“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 the One and True God.”