Pope prays for parents of Alfie Evans as God receives toddler ‘in his tender embrace’

Pope Francis, who met Mr Evans after he flew to Rome, said on Twitter: “I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie.

“Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace.”

The family of Alfie Evans said they have been left “shattered” by his death, as more than 1,000 supporters gathered to release balloons in his memory.

The terminally ill 23-month-old, who was being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, died at 2.30am on Saturday, his parents Kate James and Thomas Evans said.

Hundreds gathered in Springfield Park, next to the hospital, to release blue and purple balloons in his memory at 2.51pm – exactly 12 hours after he was officially pronounced dead.

Mr Evans and Ms James, both in their early 20s, did not attend the event but Mr Evans’s sister Sarah told the crowd: “I just want to thank you all for coming today. Our gorgeous little warrior took his last breath at 2.30 this morning.

“Our hearts are broken. We are absolutely shattered as a family.

“Thomas just wants to thank you all for the support you’ve all shown. There’s only one Alfie Evans.”

She said the family had hoped to bring the youngster home on Saturday.

Announcing the death of Alfie, who has been at the centre of a court battle over whether to…