Archbishop of Birmingham pays tribute to Pope Francis
The 88-year old Pontiff died this morning at the Vatican
Pope Francis has been hailed by the UK's religious leaders, the King and the Prime Minister as a voice for the poor and marginalised, as they paid tribute to the pontiff following his death on Easter Monday.
The leader of the world's Roman Catholics died aged 88 just a day after appearing to bless the thousands of people in St Peter's Square in Vatican City on Easter Sunday.
He had recently resumed some official duties earlier this month during his recovery from pneumonia.
Among those paying tribute is the Archbishop of Birmingham, the Right Reverend Bernard Longley.
In his statement he talks of Pope Francis' work for the unity of the Church and of mankind.
His statement in full reads: “As the remarkable pontificate of Pope Francis comes to a close all the faithful, Religious and clergy of our Archdiocese join in praying for the repose of his soul.
“We recall with gratitude the Canonisation of St John Henry Newman, Birmingham’s saint, in 2019 by Pope Francis and the late Holy Father’s appreciation for Cardinal Newman’s teachings on the development of doctrine.
“The Holy Spirit inspired Pope Francis to lead the Church along the Synodal Pathway in fidelity to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and this will undoubtedly remain an important part of his abiding legacy.
“We also remember Pope Francis’s many ecumenical and inter-religious initiatives as he prayed and worked for the unity of the Church and of mankind and for the respect due to God’s creation.
“We pray that the Good Shepherd will now welcome the Successor of Peter into the company of saints. May he rest in peace.”
Prayers to be said around the Archdiocese of Birmingham
The Archbishop also offered the Easter Monday Mass to the repose of the Holy Father's soul.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, leader of Catholics in England and Wales said the pontiff's death "brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general".
Mr Nichols, who is the Archbishop of Westminster, said: "A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen."
Tribute from King Charles
The King said he and the Queen were "most deeply saddened" to learn of the Pope's death and "were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month".
Charles and Camilla visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, the day the royal couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
In a statement on Monday, Charles said: "Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
"The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month."