Pope Francis RIP

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died, aged 88.

His funeral Mass is scheduled for 9am BST on Saturday 26th April.

A statement from the Holy See confirmed that the pope died at 7.35am on Monday 21st April at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

On, the Linked Parishes in Chelmsford join people throughout in the world in mourning the death of the Pope, who has served as Supreme Pontiff for the past 12 years.

Jorge Maria Bergoglio was born to Italian parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936.

Elected on 13 March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio became the first Jesuit pontiff and the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.

Taking the unprecedented name of Francis, themes of humility, love and service, and care for our planet and its people quickly became central to the pontificate of this remarkable pope.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Presidents of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying:

“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.

“Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the ‘kingdom of God’.

“This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community.

“Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service.

“May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Click here to read more from the Bishops’ Conference about Pope Francis and his pontificate.