ITV's Good Morning Britain halted as Susanna Reid issues tragic breaking news about Pope Francis

On Tuesday, Good Morning Britain was interrupted for some sad news. After returning from a commercial break, host Richard Madeley shared urgent updates regarding Pope Francis.

"We have more breaking news for you as we re-join you," Richard announced the moment. "We are joined by the GB News presenter, the Mail's Andrew Pierce, and the Mirror's Kevin McGuire."

Susanna then informed, "Yes, the Vatican has just in the last couple of minutes released the first pictures of Pope Francis lying in state in an open coffin."

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With a gesture of her hand to signal caution, Susanna relayed, "Which we are about to show you. We are showing the pictures from a respectful distance, and there they are."

Richard reflected on personal experiences when discussing the Pope lying in state, revealing, "I saw my father when he died, and close friends who died, because it brings it home the reality of it," reports .

He further contemplated the implications of seeing someone familiar in such a state: "When it is, to some extent, a shocking death because this was, sometimes it is quite hard to believe that they have really gone, that they're really not there anymore.

"And going to see them in state as it were, helps to cement that reality."

The passing of Pope Francis was confirmed by Cardinal Farrell's statement: "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."

The statement continued to honor his legacy, stating, "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."

Pope Francis made what would be his final public engagement on Easter Sunday from Vatican City's St Peter's Square. He appeared in a wheelchair on the balcony of the iconic St Peter's Basilica and was later escorted around the square, as throngs of well-wishers and devotees gathered for an opportunity to see him.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.