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A full set of resources for parishes is available here: Pope Francis – Parish Resources – Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Information about Pope Francis’s lying in state and funeral here.

 

The Bishop of Portsmouth has expressed his sorrow following the death of Pope Francis and recalled how the late Holy Father ‘humanised’ the papacy.

Bishop Philip Egan issued a heartfelt statement earlier today (21/04/25), following the Vatican’s announcement that the Pope had died in Rome on 21 April 2025.

Bishop Egan said: “I am truly saddened to learn of the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. The Church and the world have lost a man who has worked so hard to ‘humanise’ the papacy, calling us all back to what is truly important in life: the love of God, the service of people, especially the poor and needy, the care of the marginalised and the care of creation.”

“Throughout his pontificate, as much as any Pope before him, if not more, Francis spoke out against the injustices of our time, calling for an end to the war in Ukraine and for the care of migrants and refugees. He worked tirelessly for human fraternity and for peace. This was the Pope who famously washed the feet of convicts in Regina Caeli prison, and who moved the world when in St Peter’s Square he tenderly embraced a young boy with cerebral palsy.”

“He also promoted the internal reform of the Church, calling for an end to clericalism and abusive forms of authority and for a more synodal Church in which every member of the Church has a wider role in decision-making and planning.”

“Today, we give thanks to God for this great man and for his contribution to the Church and to society. Let us pray for his well-earned repose. Let us commend him to the prayers of Our Lady, the Salus Populi Romani, (‘The Salvation of the Roman People’) to whom he had a great devotion, and to his patrons, St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis of Assisi. May he hear the Lord Jesus say to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; come and join in your Master’s happiness.’”

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2022 003 Pope Francis

In a statement which has captured the attention of the whole world, a spokesperson for the Vatican said: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

The Vatican is expected to announce the details of the Pope’s funeral which has yet to be announced.

To download a copy of Bishop Philip’s statement, click here.

To read Pope Francis Obituary, click here.

 

 

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