The Latest: Vatican's culture minister pays tribute to Bowie

LONDON – The latest on the death of iconic singer David Bowie. All times local.

09:30 a.m.

The Vatican's culture minister has paid tribute to David Bowie by tweeting the lyrics to his song "Space Oddity."

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi wrote on Twitter Monday: "Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God's love be with you."

Bowie's representative Steve Martin says the singer died "peacefully" Sunday surrounded by family after an 18-month battle with cancer.

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08:50 a.m.

Tributes are pouring in for singer David Bowie, with politicians, clerics, actors and an astronaut offering their recollections of the late star.

British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted his sadness from outer space aboard the International Space Station, while London Mayor Boris Johnson said "No-one in our age has better deserved to be called a genius."

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC on Monday that he became a fan during Bowie's early rise to prominence.

"I remember sitting listening to his songs endlessly in the '70s particularly and always really relishing what he was, what he did, the impact he had," Welby said. "Extraordinary person."

Comedian Ricky Gervais, who persuaded his idol to appear on his television show, "Extras," wrote on Twitter: "I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie."

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08:10 a.m.

Kanye West has hailed David Bowie as one of his "most important inspirations" in a tribute to the singer on Twitter.

He says Bowie was "so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime."

British rocker Billy Idol also took to Twitter to describe his loss, saying he was "nearly brought to tears" by the sudden news of Bowie's passing, adding "RIP."

Bowie's representative Steve Martin says the singer died "peacefully" Sunday surrounded by family after an 18-month battle with cancer.

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08:10 a.m.

David Cameron says Bowie's death is "a huge loss."

The British Prime Minister tweeted Monday that he had grown up listening to and watching Bowie.

He called the singer a "master of reinvention" and a pop genius who kept on getting it right.

Bowie's representative Steve Martin says the singer died "peacefully" Sunday surrounded by family after an 18-month battle with cancer.