Archbishop of Liverpool pays tribute to Pope Francis
The Vatican confirmed this morning that Pope Francis has died aged 88
The Bishop of Salford is paying tribute to Pope Francis, who's died aged 88.
The Vatican confirmed the sad news this morning.
On hearing the news, the Archbishop of Liverpool, Reverand Malcolm McMahon, issued this statement: "Brothers and Sisters.
"It is with a sense of deep sadness with thanksgiving to God for a life lived in the Lord's service, that we have learned today of the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis.
"From the first moments of his pontificate, as a bishop from the peripheries on 13th March 2013, he has impacted the minds and hearts of many in the world seeking that we should all be "fratelli tutti" - brothers and sisters together, in this our common home.
"The Catholic Church has lost its universal Pastor, and so today we pray for his eternal rest, we thank God for the much good he has done, and we pray for the Cardinals as they move to elect another successor of Saint Peter to continue to guide and lead the Church in 2025.
"I have many fond memories of meeting him, most recently in January at the first general audience of the Jubilee Year.
"I will remember him as a kind and welcoming priest and bishop.
"Francis asked everyone who met him to never forget to pray for him - let us assure him of our prayers that he would finally meet the good shepherd and gentle judge he so zealously served."