A message from Bishop Paul following the death of Pope Francis

We are saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis today. Bishop Paul has shared:

“Pope Francis has been an inspiration to the Church all across the world. His humility, joy and compassion in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ have made a deep and lasting impression on Christian people everywhere.

My prayers are with all who mourn the death of Pope Francis, especially for Roman Catholics across our county and my dear friend Bishop Patrick McKinney who leads the Diocese of Nottingham.

Pope Francis has been a great advocate of Christians working together in the service of the Lord, and especially in caring for the poorest and most marginalised people.

His courage yesterday in making his Easter blessing to the world expressed so movingly his enduring hope and joy in the risen Jesus, which will continue to be an inspiration to many as we live and share our Easter faith in the days to come.”

Following the news the Church of England have provided a helpful prayer at this time:

A PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS

Father in heaven, 
we praise your name for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you, 
for the example of their lives, the life and grace you gave them 
and the peace in which they rest.

We praise you today for your servant Francis
and for all that you did through him.
Meet us in our sadness and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

Into your hands, O merciful Saviour,
we commend your servant Francis.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Enfold him in the arms of your mercy,
in the blessed rest of everlasting peace
and in the glorious company of the saints in light.

Amen