The death has taken place of the former Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor following a battle with cancer.
The 85-year-old, whose parents were from Cork, led the Catholic Church in England and Wales from 2000 until he took the unprecedented step of retiring in 2009.
He was admitted to hospital last month.
His successor, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said he died "peacefully" this afternoon surrounded by family and friends.
Cardinal Nichols hailed his predecessor's "zest for life" and commitment to his faith, saying he was "loved by everyone that knew him".
Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor had been Bishop of Arundel and Brighton for 22 years when he was elevated to the position of Archbishop of Westminster.
He was heavily criticised during his tenure for failing to report a priest who was later jailed for abusing children, something he said he greatly regretted.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said in a statement: "I was very saddened to hear of the death today of Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster.
"At this sad time, I also want to remember his sterling commitment to Christian unity and his work for the relationship between all who follow Christ."
