Keir Starmer and King Charles pay tribute to Pope Francis

Leaders from across the UK including the Prime Minister and King Charles have been paying tribute to Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88.

He was selected to serve as pontiff in 2013 and was the first to choose the name Francis. He went on to influence millions and met with many of the civil and political leaders of the UK.

King Charles, who met with Pope Francis earlier this month, led tributes from UK leaders, calling the pope a "faithful follower of Jesus Christ". Pope dies latest: King leads tributes from around the world He said: "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 goodwill who work for the benefit of others.

"His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.

The King continued: "The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. "We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ." Sir Keir Starmer has also paid tribute to the pontiff and said he joined "millions around the world in grieving" his death.

The Prime Minister added: "His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and he church was often courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility. "Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten.

He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost the faith-fuelled hope of a better world.

"That hope was at the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church's teachings of mercy and charity.

He added: "With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs. "My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic Church.

"May His Holiness Rest in Peace." He spent his "final Easter yesterday bearing witness to the faith he devoted his life to.