It was with great sorrow that we heard the news of the death of Pope Francis this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters around the world at this time, including those living locally in the Diocese of Salford.
The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Dr David Walker has expressed his condolences and paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying:
"Throughout his years as Pope, Francis radiated both the love of God and the joy of knowing that love. I know from my own meeting with him two years ago, that his closeness to God meant that to be in his presence was to feel God nearby. At a time when amoral and authoritarian leaders are coming to dominate power in so many parts of the world, Pope Francis has shown us a better, humbler, more compassionate way. I pray that his legacy will live long, both in the Church he led and in the world he cared for."
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Please join us in praying:
