Good Morning Britain halted for tragic 'breaking news' as Susanna Reid issues warning

was abruptly interrupted on Tuesday due to a tragic update from the Vatican. As they returned from a commercial break, announced that they had received some breaking news concerning Pope Francis. The Pope's death at 7.35am was announced by the Vatican on Easter Monday, with the statement from Cardinal Farrell reading: "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." One day after his death, Richard and Susanna Reid shared another announcement regarding the late pontiff. "The Vatican, just in the last couple of minutes, have released the first pictures of ," Susanna explained.

However, before images were displayed on the screen, Susanna issued a warning to viewers at home, as she informed them "we're showing you the pictures from a respectful distance".

Joined by Kevin Maguire and Andrew Pierce, Susanna expressed her shock over how quickly The Pope deteriorated and passed away. The newsreader said: "Everything seems to have happened so quickly. On Easter Sunday he was giving the Easter message, the blessing."

Andrew responded: "It's exactly how he would've wanted it. His last big performance, and it was a performance, was giving the blessing and now there he is lying in state in the Vatican."

The political commentator continued: "The funeral will be by Friday. World leaders will flock in, as they should, because he was a world leader."

He added: "Within 15 days we'll have a new Pope. Think about how long it takes to elect an Archbishop of Canterbury in this country. We might get one by September."

Pope Francis, who died aged 88, had been admitted to hospital in February to be treated for pneumonia and spent five weeks undergoing treatment where he suffered "two very critical episodes".

He was discharged from hospital in late March and had delegated many of his duties while he recovered, including the traditional Easter mass, although he did make an appearance before crowds.

His death was announced on Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo.