BBC Breakfast hosts make sad 'breaking news' announcement and share statement BBC Breakfast hosts Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson shared some sad 'breaking news' in a statement on Monday BBC Breakfast announces death of Pope Francis During Monday's (21 April) episode, BBC Breakfast programming was interrupted with 'breaking news,' delivered by presenters Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson. The pair provided the solemn announcement that Pope Francis had died on Easter Monday at 7.35am, as confirmed by the Vatican. ‌ Sally addressed the audience, saying: "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. "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 added that they would be providing viewers with all the latest developments concerning this sad news and then the programme switched to a live broadcast from Rome. Article continues below BBC Breakfast went live from Rome following the announcement (Image: (Image: BBC) ) Pope Francis dead aged 88 as crowds begin to gather outside the Vatican to pay tribute READ MORE: The presenters also shared the full official statement from the Vatican about Pope Francis' passing, along with numerous heartfelt tributes, reports the Express. In the statement given by His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, he announced: "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. ‌ "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." In what was his final public appearance, Pope Francis greeted the faithful on Easter Sunday from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican's St Peter's Square. Despite being wheelchair-bound, he was driven around the square, warmly received by the gathered crowds. The news of the death of Pope Francis broke on Easter Sunday (Image: (Image: BBC) ) ‌ Pope Francis had approved plans for a more modest funeral prior to his death. He chose a simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining, breaking with the tradition of displaying the Pope's body on a platform for public viewing in St Peter's Basilica. Instead, mourners will have the opportunity to pay their respects to him while his body lies within the closed coffin. Marking a departure from over a century of tradition, Pope Francis will be interred outside of the Vatican. His final resting place will be at the Basilica of St Mary Major, which is one of the four major papal basilicas located in Rome. Article continues below BBC Breakfast airs on weekdays at 6am on BBC One