Watch: 'It was shocking news' - Wolverhampton parishioners come together to pray following death of Pope Francis
Roman Catholics across the region have been gathering to say remembrance prayers following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
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Around 50 worshippers managed to make it to a hastily organised parish mass held at St Joseph's Church in Stowheath Lane in Wolverhampton just barely 90 minutes after the Vatican announced the pontiff's passing.
The sombre service featured prayers for the Pope, also referred to by the title of Holy Father along with communion or mass.
The Rev Craig Fullard, of St John Henry Newman Parish and who met the Pope, said: "The news filtered through just before 9am this morning. It was very much a shock.
"We all knew that he was ill, but we all saw him yesterday in Rome and we thought we got some more time with him, to be honest. So it was a shock when the news came through.
"But straight away people were asking, can we gather to pray? Can we offer the mass for him? Can we come and remember him in thanksgiving for that he's given to the church and indeed to the wider world as well?
"We all gather properly at some stage to offer a Requiem Mass for the Holy Father as well. And we will let you know when that will be.
"I had the great privilege of meeting him along with my wife about 10 years ago. We were on a conference and at the end of the conference we were invited to go up and shake hands with the Holy Father and greet him.
"It was a very short conversation. He'd got lots of people to see, but one of the things he did say to us was, please pray for me and we'll carry on praying for him. We'll remember him every day in our prayers. And of course we wait for the funeral as well, which will take place in Rome.
"We'll offer a special mass for him as well on that day," Father Fullard added.
Project manager Olaide Orilade, aged 38, of All Saints, who attended with her children Uzineh, aged seven, and Mayowa, aged nine, and her mother Veronica Fusoyinu, aged 62, said: "Father Craig sent a message to everyone this morning and it was shocking news. We couldn't believe it and we just knew we had to be in church for the Monday Easter mass and to say prayers for him.
"He helped us to reflect on humanity and especially for the marginalised. I think that's the most significant thing that our Pope stood for and we've all tried to live up to that - and reach the unreachable and bring hope to our world. And keep the church doors open to as many who wants to come in, to feel loved."
Ed Lewis, aged 66, of Bushbury, said: "The Pope was so humble. We feel the loss, but we rejoice too with hallelujahs. He was able to thank his carers for looking after him and he hung on for Easter."
The service featured liturgy and traditional hymns 'Jesus Christ is Risen Today' and recordings of 'And Can It Be' and 'There is a Redeemer'.
A combined 1,000 people attended Easter weekend services across the St John Henry Newman Parish which also includes St Joseph's Church, in Church Street, Darlaston; Holy Trinity Church, in Oxford Street, Bilston, and St Mary's Church, in Leveson Street, Willenhall.
