Pope Francis has died after 12 years at the head of the Catholic Church. Although his cause of death has not been officially confirmed, Pope Francishad been battling health problems following a five-week stint in hospital.

The 88-year-old had been receiving treatment for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Several respiratory crises had caused serious concern for his life before a recent improvement. Doctors treating Pope Francis previously revealed they had considered "letting him go" after he almost died twice while receiving treatment in hospital.

Dr Sergio Alfieri, a member of the team that treated the head of the Catholic Church, revealed the harrowing details of his battle, including when experts considered "letting him go". He said: “We had to choose between letting him go or trying everything at very high risk. Francis knew he could die. Those around him had tears in their eyes, and he said, 'This is bad'.

Since returning to the Vatican after a 38-day hospital stay, Francis has only appeared in public a handful of times.

He made his first public appearance since his bout of double pneumonia on April 6, when he appeared in St Peter's Square in a wheelchair during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick following his discharge from hospital two weeks previously.

The King and Queen visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, the day Charles and Camilla celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

He skipped the solemn services of Good Friday and Holy Saturday leading up to Easter but made an appearance on Sunday, which would be his last.

Pope Francis emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St Peter's Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause as he continued his recovery.

Doctors had prescribed two months of convalescence and respiratory therapy to improve his lung function.

But in a statement on Easter Monday, the Vatican confirmed his death.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″