A number of masses will take place locally to mark the passing of Pope Francis.

His funeral will be held on Saturday morning.

The Vatican has confirmed it will take place in the square in front of St Peter's Basilica at 9am Irish time.

His coffin will then be taken inside the church and from there brought to the Rome basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.

This will begin nine days of mourning.

At the end of this period, conclave - the process to choose a new pope - will begin from 5 May.

Among the masses include on at St. Anne's Church in Sligo on Friday evening.

Parish Priest Fr Pat Lombard has been telling Ocean FM news more about the mass:

Pope Francis has been remembered locally for bringing the church “to a better place”, following his passing.

A local parish priest has commended the late pontiff's term after passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following his battle with pneumonia and "complex" health conditions.

Millions have paid tribute to the late Pope Francis since the news was announced by the Vatican.

Fr Vincent Sherlock, Parish Priest of Tubbercurry says he has left big shoes to fill:

The death of Pope Francis continues to be marked at Knock Shrine.

Pilgrims have gathered over the last 24 hours or so to pay their respects.

Hundreds gathered on Monday morning to honour the late pontiff following his passing.

Many were in attendance in August 2018, when Pope Francis himself visited to the International Marian Shrine at Knock.

Ocean FM’s Catherine Gaffney caught up with just some of those a short time ago:

Father Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest in Knock has been reminiscing on Pope Francis’ visit in 2018. 

He made a notable visit, an occasion many will fondly remember after attending the World Meeting of Families in Dublin.

 While almost three years on from his visit, Pope Francis officially recognised Knock as both a Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.

Speaking from Knock to Ocean Fm news this afternoon, Father Gibbons says a particular special moment was when the pontiff paid a visit to the Apparition Chapel: 

As part of his historic visit to the Marian shrine at Knock, Pope Francis arrived into Ireland West Airport.

He arrived by chartered Aer Lingus flight from Dublin on Sunday morning, August 26th from Dublin and travelled by motorcade the 20-kilometre route along the N17 to Knock shrine.

It was following the first ever Papal visit to Ireland in 1979, when Pope John Paul II visited Knock Marian Shrine, that Monsignor Horan began his campaign to build an international airport in Mayo close to the shrine.

Head of Marketing at Ireland West Airport, Donal Healy has been looking back on that time.

Speaking to Ocean FM, he says it was a historic occasion for all involved:

The Bishop of Elphin and Achonry has paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, describing him as a listening pope who also encouraged others to listen.

The pontiff passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88.

Arrangements are now underway for his funeral - which will be stripped-down, as per his wishes.

Bishop Kevin Doran has also been reflecting on Pope Francis' visit to the Knock Shrine in 2018 and arriving at Ireland West Airport:

An investigation is continuing into a major fire at a Church in West Donegal.

The blaze broke out at St. Mary's Chapel in Derrybeg in the early hours of this morning.

Despite the best efforts from the emergency services, the building has been extensively damaged.

Speaking to Ocean FM news, Donegal Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty says attentions are already turning to raising funds to rebuild:

Dismay has been expressed over the impact dog fouling is having in north Leitrim.

Tullaghan has long been renowned for its beauty, and many avail of the amenity on a daily basis.

However, there have numerous reports of dog mess being left in public areas and in particular, children's play areas.

While, fouling bags have also been found in nearby bushes.

Local Councillor James Gallagher is urging those involved to have more respect for the local area:

Crowds are already gathering at St. Peters Square in Rome following the news of the death of Pope Francis who has died at the age of 88.

The Vatican says the Pontiff passed away at 25 to 8 this morning, local time.

He was admitted to hospital in February and spent five-weeks undergoing respiratory treatment.

The President, Taoiseach and Tánaiste are among those paying tribute.

Father Gerry Comiskey from Newtownmanner in North Leitrim is in Rome at the moment and participated in the Easter ceremonies over the last few days.

He spoke to Ocean FM news inside the last few minutes:

Sligo County Council are to host three clinics to advise those applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on the Online Application process.

Following a report by the housing agency, Sligo was included in the scheme after a significant number of effected properties were found in the county.

The clinics will be by appointment only and for those who cannot attend in person, they are being encouraged to contact the local authority to let them know they will be applying for the scheme.

PRO of Sligo Pyrite Action Group and Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Healy says the clinics will provide valuable information for those affected: