BBC Breakfast came to a halt due to a ‘breaking news’ announcement during Monday’s (21 April) episode, brought to TV viewers by Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson. The hosts announced that Pope Francis had passed away on Easter Monday at 7.35am, as confirmed by the Vatican.

“We bring you some breaking news. Our first headline this morning, the Vatican has just announced the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88,” Sally told BBC viewers. “That news just coming to us in the last few moments. You will know, of course, he was seen yesterday giving the Easter blessing, but we’ve had it confirmed by the Vatican, just a moment ago, that Pope Francis has died.”

Ben went on to say that he and Sally would be bringing BBC Breakfast viewers all of the latest updates on the sad news, with the programme then cutting to a live stream from Rome.

The hosts also provided the full statement from the Vatican in regard to Pope Francis’ passing, followed by numerous tributes.

The statement, delivered by His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, read: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and 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 marginalised. 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 Triune God.”

Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday at the Vaitcan’s St Peter’s Square. He appeared in a wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and was later driven around the square as crowds gathered to greet him.

Pope Francis recently approved plans to make his funeral less elaborate. He opted for a simply wooden coffin lined with zinc and will not take part in the tradition of placing the Pope’s body on a platform in St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, instead mourners will be able to pay respects while his body remains inside the coffin with the lid removed.

Pope Francis will be the first Pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. He is to be laid to rest in the Basilica of St Mary Major – one of four papal basilicas in Rome.

BBC Breakfast airs on weekdays at 6am on BBC One