Thousands of mourners gathered in Pope Francis' home country of Argentina to pay their respects following his passing.

Footage shows a solemn scene outside the Catedral de Buenos Aires, where grievers assembled for a memorial mass held in honour of the late pontiff on April 26.

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 at the age of 88.

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.'

Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome on Saturday afternoon.