Portsmouth Diocese e-News Issue 489
Bishop Philip writes…
This last week has been a momentous one. It opened with the death of Pope Francis on Monday, then the extensive media coverage of his legacy during the week, with crowds gathering to file past his body in St. Peter’s. On Saturday the beautiful funeral Mass was offered for him in St. Peter’s Square. The photography and coverage was excellent. Now, the Church has begun a nine-day period of mourning, and our prayers are also for the cardinals who will soon have to choose the new pope. The Vatican has announced that the conclave will begin on 7th May. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit for the whole Church at this time, that the Spirit might guide their deliberations.
I have had a lot of cards and letters from Catholics and non-Catholics alike this week expressing sympathy and best wishes. However, I was very touched by the fact that Bishop Jonathan, the Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth, came to Mass here on Monday with a card and a bouquet of flowers. He wanted to express the prayers and sympathy of the Anglican diocese and later in the week, I had a long and heartfelt conversation with him on the phone. It was a true mark of his kindness and friendship. Our prayers for him.
Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News for Tuesday 29th April 2025. Thank you to Deacon Craig for editing this edition and to all of you for submitting the contents. I wish all our readers a blessed week ahead.
You can read this week’s issue in full here.
In Corde Iesu
+ Philip
Bishop of Portsmouth