John Wilson, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Southwark, shared with BBC London that Catholics globally believed the Pope was “through the most challenging times” and thought “we have him with us for a while longer.”
This statement followed the Vatican’s announcement of Pope Francis’s passing in Rome on Monday morning at the age of 88.
The Archbishop remarked, “In Italian, he is referred to as Papa Francesco. The term ‘Papa’ translates to father, meaning the Pope serves as a father figure to the Catholic Church worldwide.
We are part of a significant human family spread across the globe that has now lost its father.”
He also expressed that the news of the Pope’s death “came as a surprise.”
“Just yesterday, we saw Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square [in Rome], where he delivered the Easter blessing, albeit with only a few words.
“Someone read a very beautiful message, and afterwards, he took a lap in the Pope-mobile.
“Given his recent health issues, we thought he had overcome the most difficult part, and even though he was 88, we believed he wouldn’t be leaving us just yet.
“Waking up to this news today has truly shocked us.”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who leads Catholics in England and Wales, stated that the pontiff’s passing “brings profound sorrow to countless individuals worldwide, both within the Catholic community and society at large.”
As the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Nichols added, “A voice championing the fundamental dignity of every person, particularly the poor and marginalized, has fallen silent. The legacy he has created is one we must strive to uphold and amplify.”
During the Easter Monday service at Westminster Cathedral in central London, parishioners paid their respects to the departed Pope.
Father Patrick van der Vorst, who led the service, remarked on the “symbolic nature of his passing on Easter Monday.”
“He was consistently present to aid those in need,” he noted.
Parishioner Patrick Somerville, 87, from Westminster, commented, “His influence has reached leaders and people all over the globe.
“This morning, I chatted with my newsagent, who mentioned that his Hindu mother admired Pope Francis, which I think speaks volumes.
“He spread love to the entire world in such a humble manner.”
