Pope's legacy 'won't be felt straight away', says Black Country priest
The Pope will be laid to rest today
A Catholic priest working in Willenhall and Wolverhampton told us he does not think the Pope's legacy will be understood straight away.
The Pope's funeral will take place today (26th April), after his death on Monday (21st April 2025) at 7:35am.
The Pope's funeral:
The Vatican said the funeral of the late Pope will take place from 9am in St Peter's Square, Rome.
Following the service, "the coffin of the Roman Pontiff will then be taken to St Peter's Basilica and from there to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial," a Vatican spokesperson said.
A conclave to choose a new pope will begin on 5th May 2025.
What is Pope Francis' legacy according to a priest?
Father Craig Fullard is a priest working in Willenhall and Wolverhampton.
He said it is difficult to understand the full extent of Pope Francis' legacy right now: "Despite that, I would say that The Holy Father created a church for everyone.
"Whoever you are, wherever you are. The churches are a place where you should feel at home," he said.
"You were important to him"
Father Craig said he would remember Pope Francis for having a gift for impacting each person he met.
He met Pope Francis personally, whilst at a conference in Rome with his wife: "Even though there was well over 100 people in that room that he had to shake hands with and meet - you were important to him.
"He truly believed in the unique person and in that encounter," he said.