21 Apr 2025
Tributes have been paid to the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who died this morning after 12 years in the role.
The 88-year-old had addressed crowds at an Easter Sunday service before passing away at 7.35am the following day. Pope Francis had spent time in hospital with an infection – from which he was recently discharged.
Rev Michael O’Boy, Parish Priest of the Roman Catholic Parish of St Albans said: “In recent years Pope Francis challenged us to a more synodal way of being.
“At the heart of that call was the invitation to listen more carefully to each other and to the communities and cultures in which the church finds herself.
“It wasn’t a call for radical change in the church’s teaching, it was an invitation to reflect on how we do things, how we relate.
“In today’s world, where we are constantly minded of the conflicts that scar the lives of so many, Pope Francis’ call to listen and to dialogue couldn’t be more important.”
Dean of St Albans Cathedral the Very Rev’d Jo-Kelly Moore added: “The community of St Albans Cathedral is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis.
“With others we are agreed however, that Easter could not be a more fitting time.
“Just yesterday Pope Francis proclaimed the truth of the risen Christ, of his hope and life, for all the world.
“We are in no doubt that he now knows that resurrection life in all its fullness. We will always be inspired by Pope Francis’ devotion in prayer, his sacrificial service, especially to the most vulnerable, and his challenge to care for creation.
“Committed to our ecumenical life, we pray for our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers at this time.
“There is a place of remembrance and prayer for Pope Francis in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.”
A period of mourning has begun within Roman Catholic communities which will last approximately nine days.
