The death of Pope Francis saw churches ring bells in mourning across the Philippines today.

Footage shows church staff ringing the bell at the St. Bartholomew Parish in Bulacan to announce the death of the Pontiff, 88, a beloved figure in the deeply Catholic nation.

The church said in a statement: 'A few minutes ago, we sadly rang the bell of our parish church 88 times signifying the 88 fruitful years of our dear Pope Francis.'

Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Bergoglio, was recently hospitalised for pneumonia in both lungs. He spent 38 days being treated at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, before being discharged on March 23.

The pontiff made a final public appearance at the Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday just a day before his passing on April 21.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in a statement published by the Vatican on the messaging app Telegram, said: 'Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

'This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

'His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.'

A papal funeral will be held, after which senior Catholic leaders known as the College of Cardinals will elect a new Pope.