Tributes pour in from across the Black Country and Staffordshire after death of Pope Francis
Tributes have poured in from across the Black Country and the region for Pope Francis whose death was announced this morning.
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The Roman Catholic Birmingham Diocese, which covers the Black Country, released a statement about the death of Pope Francis.
Archbishop Bernard Longley said: "As the remarkable pontificate of Pope Francis comes to a close all the faithful, Religious and clergy of our Archdiocese join in praying for the repose of his soul.
"We recall with gratitude the Canonisation of St John Henry Newman, Birmingham’s saint, in 2019 by Pope Francis and the late Holy Father’s appreciation for Cardinal Newman’s teachings on the development of doctrine.
"The Holy Spirit inspired Pope Francis to lead the Church along the Synodal Pathway in fidelity to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and this will undoubtedly remain an important part of his abiding legacy."
The statement added: " We also remember Pope Francis’s many ecumenical and inter-religious initiatives as he prayed and worked for the unity of the Church and of mankind and for the respect due to God’s creation.
"We pray that the Good Shepherd will now welcome the Successor of Peter into the company of saints. May he rest in peace."
Walsall's St John Henry Parish, which includes churches in Bilston, Darlaston, Willenhall and Wolverhampton East Park, is holding a special mass in Wolverhampton this morning (Monday) in memory of Pope Francis.
The parish posted on social media: "It has just been announced that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, died this morning.
"We will, of course be praying for the Repose of his Soul at our Mass this morning at 10.30am at St. Joseph's, Wolverhampton.
"O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth.
"Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen."
St James Church, Brownhills, posted about the passing of the Pope in solidarity with local Catholics.
The church posted: "We pray for all Roman Catholic Christians throughout the world in view of the death of Pope Francis announced this morning.
"Only yesterday he was out wishing them a blessed and holy Easter. May they each know the presence of Jesus alongside them in their grief and the Holy Spirit bringing peace and comfort."
Parishioner Victoria Whitehouse commented: "Incredible person who did so much to unite the world. Always fighting for the poor and the marginalised. Rest in peace Pope Francis."
Smethwick Anglican Old Church posted about the grief local Catholics are undergoing due to Pope Francis passing.
The church posted on social media: "We hold our Catholic sisters and brothers in prayer today as they mourn the death of Pope Francis."
The leader of Dudley Council Labour Party Councillor Adam Aston was one of the first to post a tribute to the Argentine pontiff.
He said: "Very sad to hear of the death of Pope Francis, offering condolences to members of the Catholic community across the Dudley Borough and beyond."
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire Labour Party posted: "We are saddened to hear of the death of his Holiness Pope Francis. We understand that this will be a difficult time for Catholics in our community, and many others who took strength from his values and wisdom. We extend our deepest sympathies."
Birmingham Newman University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Jackie Dunne said: “Pope Francis embodied the values we hold dear at this university. His commitment to social justice, respect for others, and fostering a sense of community resonates deeply with our mission. We are inspired by his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities, our thoughts and prayers join with our global Catholic community as we mourn his loss.
"The opportunity to pause and pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis is available in our Chapel and Mass will be celebrated in thanksgiving for all his service will be arranged in the coming week.
"With the Easter hope in our risen Lord we pray; eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Pope Francis rest in peace."
