The world weeps for Alfie: Pope says he is 'deeply moved' by toddler's death as emotional tributes to him pour in from around the globe

Mourners across the globe have wept for little Alfie Evans today after news of his death devastated millions.

The toddler died at 2.30am today in his ward at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where he had been in intensive care for over a year.

Pope Francis led tributes to him on Twitter saying he was 'deeply moved' by his death, adding: 'I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace.'

Catholic communities around the world have been touched by Alfie's health battle after the Pope intervened. 

As devastated members of 'Alfie's Army' gathered outside the Merseyside hospital to release thousands of balloons, a similar event took place in Dublin.

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The toddler (pictured) died at 2.30am today in his ward at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where he had been in intensive care for over a year

Pope Francis led tributes to him on Twitter saying he was 'deeply moved' by his death

A candlelit vigil was held for Alfie in St Peter's Square in Vatican City before his death this week

In Kielce, south central Poland, football fans kept their '#SaveAlfieEvans' banner attached to the stands

Hundreds of people gathered in Dublin to release blue and purple balloons in memory of Liverpool toddler Alfie Evans Purple and blue filled the sky of the Irish capital in a nod to his supporters' chosen colours. 

In Kielce, south central Poland, football fans kept their '#SaveAlfieEvans' banner attached to the stands as fans paid an emotional tribute to him.

Alfie's father Thomas Evans thanked the Polish community for their support after a candelit vigil was held outside the British Embassy in Krakow earlier this week. 

As the toddler's team Everton played Huddersfield Town away this afternoon, fans from both sides stood and applauded at the 23rd minute - after his death at 23-months-old.

Twitter tributes flooded in from around the world on Saturday after the youngster's battle with his degenerative neurological disease made headlines internationally.

Alfie's Army supporters are pictured outside the British embassy in Poland 

As the toddler's team Everton played Huddersfield Town away this afternoon, fans from both sides stood and applauded at the 23rd minute

Candles were also lit for Alfie outside the British embassy in Krakow, Poland after an outpouring of support from the Polish community Mr Evans, 21, announced his son's death on Facebook, writing: 'My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 2.30am. Absolutely heartbroken. I LOVE YOU MY GUY.' 

Kate James, his mother, 20 wrote: 'Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2.30am. We are heartbroken. Thank you everyone for all your support.' 

Mr Evans, 21 and Ms James, 20, had fought to take their son to a foreign hospital for treatment for a degenerative medical condition, but lost a final court appeal on Wednesday.

Alfie had been in a coma for over a year and needed a ventilator to keep him breathing but his parents have fought to stop his life support being switched off.

Mr Evans had met the Pope last week to ask for asylum, kissing the pontiff's hand and begging him to 'save our son'.

Devastated members of 'Alfie's Army' gathered outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverool to release thousands of balloons

Purple and blue filled the sky over Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool this afternoon 

The head of the Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, which is administered by the Vatican, also travelled to Liverpool in a bid to have the boy transferred, saying Pope Francis asked her to do everything 'possible and impossible' to save him. 

Their case went before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after it was rejected by the UK's Supreme Court, but judges in Strasbourg also refused to intervene, saying the application was 'inadmissible'.

Following the decision, around 200 people gathered outside Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital, as supporters blocked the road outside the hospital, linking arms and chanting, 'Save Alfie Evans!'

Dozens had ran towards the main doors before police officers stationed inside and out strung across the entrance blocking the way, and after after a short stand off the crowd retreated to gather around 100 yards away on the road outside. 

Italian newspaper La Reppublica's website featured a story on Alfie's tragic death today

Bild in Germany also paid tribute to the late toddler 

El Mundo in Spain also reported on the Liverpool youngster's deatj 

The Vatican Times newspaper website is pictured with an Alfie Evans headline 

Polish newspapers also featured the baby's death prominently