The Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death today, Easter Monday.
The leader of the world’s Roman Catholics died aged 88 just a day after his appearance to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Easter Sunday.
He had recently resumed some official duties earlier this month during his recovery from pneumonia.
The Church of England’s current most senior bishop, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell described the Pope as having been “witty, lively, good to be with”.
He said in a statement: “Pope Francis was acutely aware of the divisions between our churches and how they stand in the way of seeing Jesus Christ more fully.
“I remember the powerful work the Pope did with the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland in promoting peacebuilding in South Sudan.
“I remember, in the brief times I spent with him, how this holy man of God was also very human. He was witty, lively, good to be with, and the warmth of his personality and interest in others shone out from him.”
Former archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the Pope had been a friend, adding that he will “miss him deeply”.
The King said he and the Queen were “most deeply saddened” to learn of the Pope’s death and “were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month”.
Charles and Camilla visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, the day the royal couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.
St Wilfrid’s, the Catholic church on Duncombe Place in York said that the 12.10pm Mass today will be a Requiem for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.