World leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

As crowds gather around the Vatican to pay tribute, here are reactions from leaders around the world:

- 

King Charles

In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the King hailed Pope Francis for touching "the lives of so many".

The King and Queen met the Pontiff earlier this month, during a visit to Italy.

He said in the statement: "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 good-will who will work for the benefit of others."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

One of the first to pay tribute was Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who said she was deeply saddened by his death.

She wrote: "I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering.”

Discussing his Via Crucis meditations, she said, "He asked the world, once again, for the courage to change direction, to follow a path that ‘does not destroy, but cultivates, repairs, protects'."