His death comes at one of the most important times of the year for followers of the Roman Catholic Church, and less than 24 hours after the ailing Pope addressed worshipers in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

That timing is not lost on Catholics. 

“He [God] chose the most beautiful day for the Christian Church – he couldn’t have chosen a better day,” said Father Sergio Codera, a Salesian priest from Spain.

He continued: “It [Easter] is the most important occasion Christians celebrate, when we celebrate that death does not have the final word. 

“And it has been this day that God has chosen for Pope Francis to meet him.”