THE CATHOLIC community of Harlow is mourning the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.

His holiness’ death was announced at just after 7.30 am this morning.

The Easter Monday mass at Holy Cross church took place as usual and although it was still a mass celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, Father Bernard as well as Deacon Tony paid tribute to the Holy Father.

Father Bernard spoke to parishioners after mass.

Special masses will be held in the coming weeks.

There will also be masses at Our Lady of Fatima on First Avenue and The Assumption of Our Lady in Old Harlow.

Members of a number of other faith communities in Harlow have also expressed their condolences.

Statement from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.

Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.

That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.

With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.

My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98zxx13d3go