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The Bishop of Salford has paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death at 88 this morning. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope died this morning at 7.35am, hours after greeting thousands gathered in St Peter's Square to celebrate Easter Sunday.
Pope Francis had been serving as the head of the church for the last 12 years. Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford shared the following statement: “I can only imagine how many people are shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden death of Pope Francis. “Although there have been various episodes of illness in recent times, he has always shown such determination to fulfil his commitments and return to his ministry.
“But this time, the final illness has been overwhelming and the Lord has called him to Himself. “Let us pray that he will rest in peace and be rewarded for all that he has achieved for the Church, for us all, in his papal ministry. “Let us be grateful for the humble way in which he served the Church, putting aside the pomp and decoration of his office, to be among us.
“From the first days of his papacy, he has shown his love for people and his determination to be close to those who came to him. “Let us be grateful for his teaching and all that he has done to help the Church to be true to Gospel values in our ever-changing world. Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.
[email protected] “Let us give thanks for his concern for the environment which has done so much to make people within the Church and beyond aware of the dangers of climate change and the need for urgent action.
“Let us be thankful for his example of welcome to all who might be even curious about a faith in Jesus Christ. ” Pope Francis had only recently left hospital following a series of health crisis, but had recovered enough to address crowds during Easter Sunday. READ MORE: Pope Francis dead at 88, Vatican officials confirm READ MORE: King hails love as important virtue across religions in Easter message READ MORE: Dozens gather outside church for Holcombe Easter sunrise service Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on Monday: “At 7.
35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.".
