BBC Breakfast was interrupted with a ‘breaking news’ segment during Monday’s (21 April) show, as presenters Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson delivered the sombre news to viewers.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis had died on Easter Monday at 7.35am. Sally informed BBC viewers: “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,” adding, “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 then assured viewers that he and Sally would keep them updated with all the latest developments on this sad announcement, before the programme switched over to a live feed from Rome.
(Image: (Image: BBC))
The hosts also shared the full statement from the Vatican regarding the passing of Pope Francis, along with numerous tributes.
Cardinal Farrell delivered the official statement, saying: “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,” reports the Express.
“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.”
(Image: (Image: BBC))
Pope Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. He was seen in a wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica before being driven around the square, greeted by the gathering crowds.
The Pope recently gave his approval for plans to simplify his funeral proceedings. He chose a modest wooden coffin lined with zinc and decided against the tradition of displaying the Pope’s body on a platform in St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
Instead, mourners will be able to pay their respects while his body remains inside the coffin, with the lid removed.
In a break from over a century of tradition, Pope Francis will be the first Pope to be buried outside the Vatican. His final resting place will be the Basilica of St Mary Major – one of the four papal basilicas in Rome.
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