“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” he said.

Mourners sing and pray in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City in memory of Pope Francis. Source: AAP / Marco Iacobucci / PA

The Vatican later released the pope’s death certificate. His death certificate said he died of “cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse”.

In a break from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final testament, released on Tuesday, that he wished to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major and not St Peter’s Basilica.

He also drew the ire of progressives, who felt he should have done much more to reshape the 2,000-year-old Church.

“If investments in banks fall, it is a tragedy and people say ‘what are we going to do?’ but if people die of hunger, have nothing to eat or suffer from poor health, that’s nothing. This is our crisis today. A Church that is poor and for the poor has to fight this mentality,” he said early in his papacy.

Prime minister, Opposition leader pay tribute

“He was truly inspirational in his modest way of life and at his weekly audiences, he demonstrated his commitment to peace, equality and inclusion,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Pope Francis as “very much a modernist” and said he had “lived out his faith and vocation in word and deed”. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

“Pope Francis’s love for humanity was powerful and profound. The memory and example of his compassion will long endure as we mourn his death.”

Both leaders have paused campaigning and cancelled events planned for Tuesday, but Dutton has confirmed a planned leaders’ debate will go ahead as scheduled in the evening.

‘Grief and gratitude’

“That’s a sign, I think, of a certain affection for Australia and the Australian way of thinking about things, that he chose so many to be at the Synod last year.”

“I think it’s a sign of something very beautiful about Australia, that we do share in each other’s griefs and joys when they come,” he said.

“They will also join with so many others around the world who will remember with gratitude the simple goodness of a humble man who was ready to make of his whole life a gift of love and service, not just for his fellow Catholics but for everybody.”

World leaders send condolence messages

“We say goodbye to the Holy Father with a heart full of sadness.”

Devotees gathered in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican City to honour the pope’s death. Source: AAP / Alessia Giuliani / Sipa USA

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the pope’s death a “painful loss”.

“May his memory continue to guide us as we strive to build a world that reflects his vision of love and compassion for all,” he wrote on X.

Pope Francis died aged 88. Source: Getty / NurPhoto

King Charles said he and his wife were “most deeply saddened” to learn of Francis’ passing.

“He knew how to give hope, ease suffering through prayer, and foster unity. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for Ukrainians,” he said on X. “We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support.”

UN secretary-general António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences, describing Francis as a beacon of “hope, humility, and humanity”.

Palestinians mourn the death of Pope Francis, who had maintained close contact with the small Christian community in the territory throughout the ongoing war. Source: AAP / Marco Iacobucci / Sipa USA

Christians gathered in mourning in the occupied Palestinian territories, where Francis expressed deep support for those enduring war in Gaza up until his death.