This is the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Ella Bicknell and at 12 hours GMT on Monday the 21st of April

with a special global news podcast on the death of Pope Francis.

We'll have a comprehensive roundup looking back at the life and legacy of the Pope

with analysis from our religion editor,

Aline Mok-Bul, a former Vatican correspondent David Willie in Rome, along with reaction from around the world.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 following a long illness.

The son of Italian migrants, he was born in Argentina, and in 2013,

he became the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion followers

across the world. The Pope's death was announced on Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell

at the Vatican. Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

At 7.35 this morning, 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 towards the poorest and most marginalized. 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 triune God.

As a young man, Pope Francis became a Jesuit, rising to become the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

His election to the papacy 12 years ago came at a time of controversy for the Catholic Church.

Our religion editor, Ali Mukbul, has this report on the life of the Pope.

His surprise election in 2013 would mark a more radical break with the past than many expected.

Jorge Bergolio did have Italian roots, but was born in Argentina.

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