Religious leaders in Leicester have paid heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday morning (April 21) at the age of 88.
His death marks the end of a remarkable 12-year papacy defined by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving the marginalised.
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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position. Known for his simple lifestyle and direct approach, he was often seen riding in modest cars and personally engaging with the poor, refugees, and prisoners. His emphasis on mercy, interfaith dialogue, climate justice, and reforming Church governance made him one of the most influential religious leaders of the 21st century.
Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI — the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years. Over the course of his pontificate, he became a global moral voice, speaking out on issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and migration.
He died peacefully at his residence in the Vatican after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.
Leading tributes in Leicester, the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, said:
“I feel great sadness to hear of the death of Pope Francis and offer my heartfelt prayers to the Roman Catholic Church and all those who will be involved in the process of choosing his successor.
I also extend my prayers to Roman Catholics in Leicester and Leicestershire, in their mourning, with whom we value our relationships deeply.”
He added:
“A life of devotion to Jesus Christ. Whatever our calling in life, we too can know the joy and peace that Francis displayed in such abundance.”
The Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, also expressed his grief:
“Pope Francis’s death deeply saddens me. His humility, profound wisdom, and visible love for the Lord Jesus Christ shone through in every word, gesture, posture, and action.
The world will miss a Pope who carried the weight of humanity in his heart.”
Funeral arrangements are already underway. The body of Pope Francis will lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica starting tomorrow (Wednesday, April 23), allowing the public to pay their final respects. His funeral Mass is expected to take place on Saturday, April 26, and will be presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, with dignitaries, clergy, and pilgrims from around the world in attendance.
In a poignant and personal choice, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome — one of the city’s four major papal basilicas — rather than within the Vatican, making him the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside its walls. It is said he chose this site due to his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, having visited the basilica countless times during his papacy.
As the world prepares to say goodbye, many reflect on his legacy — not just as a pope, but as a servant of humanity who championed love, inclusion, and hope.
