Pope Francis

As we hear the sad news of the death of Pope Francis on this Easter Monday we offer our prayers for him, and for the whole Church. I am sure our parishes will make their own arrangements for Masses for him soon.
May I offer these wise words from our Archbishop:- 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.
“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.”

I know that prayers and a Book of Remembrance are being offered in Warwick Hospital chapel and no doubt by many of our brothers and sisters in other Christian traditions: we are grateful for their prayers and support for us in this time of mourning and transition.

Photograph: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

Deanery Masses for Pope Francis as follows:

- St Jospeh’s (Whitnash). 6pm Wednesday 30 April.
- St Gregory the Great. 7pm Tuesday 22 April at Our Lady of Peace (Shottery).
- Our Lady and St Benedict. 10am Friday 25 April.
- St Francis of Assisi Kenilworth 12 noon Saturday 26 April

Fr David Hartley