Bishop of Nottingham pays tribute to Pope Francis
The 88-year old Pontiff died this morning at the Vatican
Last updated 21st Apr 2025
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 Bishop of Nottingham, the Right Reverend Patrick McKinney who says Pope Francis has left an indelible mark on the Church.
In a statement, Bishop McKinney said he's "deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The Pope has left an indelible mark on the Church and the world, as a man of great warmth and humility who made use of his global prestige to highlight and to listen to the concerns of the poorest and most marginalised people across the world. The loss of the Holy Father will be deeply felt in all of our diocesan communities and well beyond, but I believe his legacy will live on.
“I was very privileged to meet Pope Francis in Rome on two occasions - first, upon my appointment as Bishop of Nottingham in May 2015, and once again during the ‘Ad limina’ visit of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales to Rome in 2018. Each time I was struck by his humility and warm welcome, deep love of Christ Jesus, desire to engage in dialogue, and his profound commitment to the Church and her mission. He will be greatly missed."
Virtual book of remembrance at Nottingham Cathedral
The statement also says there's opportunity to sign a virtual book of remembrance at Nottingham Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of Saint Barnabas), as well as to visit any of the following Jubilee churches across the diocese where there will be a book of remembrance.
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."