Christian leaders in charge of churches in Berkshire and politicians have mourned the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, becoming a priest in 1969, Archbishop in 1998 and then Pope in 2013.
He was the first Pope from Latin America and had a reputation as a liberaliser, publicly voicing concerns about climate change, and allowing priests to bless same sex couples.
Pope Francis died at around 7.35am yesterday (Monday, April 21).
Tributes to him have been made by the senior church leaders of the area.
Philip Egan, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth that covers Reading and Berkshire, wrote: “I am truly saddened to learn of the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
“The Church and the world have lost a man who has worked so hard to ‘humanise’ the papacy, calling us all back to what is truly important in life: the love of God, the service of people, especially the poor and needy, and the care of creation.”
He also reflected on how Pope Francis famously washed the feet of recovering drug addicts in Buenos Aires and called for peace in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and Gaza.
Bishop Egan added: “He also promoted the internal reform of the Church, calling for an end to clericalism and abusive forms of authority and for a more synodal Church in which every member of the Church has a wider role in decision-making and planning.”
Steven Croft, the Bishop of the Church of England Diocese of Oxford that covers Reading, praised Pope Francis’ attempts to engage in ‘inclusivity’.
Bishop Steven said: “His example and his words have called the Church throughout the world to greater humility and compassion for the poor. Francis took every opportunity to warn the world of the dangers and opportunities of new technology.
“He tried to build a church more inclusive of women and LGBT Christians.
“He reached out to other churches and other world faiths. He connected in profound ways with the young people of the world inside and beyond the Church for the rekindling of faith. He dedicated his life to the call of his Risen Lord and the service of the Church.”
Reading Borough Councillor Andrew Hornsby-Smith (Labour, Church), a practising Catholic, said: “Very sad to hear of the death of Pope Francis.
“A visionary and Holy Pope dedicated to a preference for the poor and for revitalising the core mission of inclusivity, prayer and service.
“He spoke out on many contemporary issues, such as calling for peaceful resolutions to the conflict in Gaza and the war in Ukraine.
“Rest In Peace, Francis.”
There are Catholic churches at St James Church in Forbury Road, English Martyrs in Liebenrood Road, The Sacred Heart Polish language church in Watlington Street, St Anne’s in Caversham and St William of York Church in Upper Redlands Road.
Elements of Pope Francis’ pontificate proved controversial, such as the apostolic letter Traditionis Custodes promulgated in July 2021, imposing restrictions on priests celebrating the Mass in Latin, rather than the vernacular language.
The Latin Mass is celebrated daily at St William of York church.
