A religious leader from Spalding tells us about Pope Francis' impact

Father Jim Burke says he's "very proud to be a priest in the Catholic church at this time"

Author: Aaliyah DublinPublished 26th Apr 2025

Religious leaders across Lincolnshire are paying tribute to Pope Francis today.

World leaders have travelled to Rome for Pope Francis' funeral today.

Tens of thousands are expected in the Italian capital for the service.

We spoke to Father Jim Burke about how his parish in Spalding are reflecting on the Pope's life.

It's been a real privilege to share stories about him

"It's been a real privilege to share stories about him, and in a funny way it makes me feel very proud once again to be a priest in a Catholic church at this time."

"I've been moved by the sheer amount of comments people have delivered to me."

"People have offered their sympathy and are having their own remembrances of how they thought Francis to be."

It makes me feel very proud to be a priest in a Catholic church

Around 50 world leaders and 10 monarchs are to attend the service.

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