UPDATE: |Manchester pays tribute to ‘a humble Pope for the poor’ News

Worshippers at The Hidden Gem church in Manchester city centre say Pope Francis always looked after the ‘voiceless’

People across Greater Manchester have paid tribute to Pope Francis after his death was announced by the Vatican. The leader of the world’s Roman Catholics died aged 88 just a day after appearing to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Easter Sunday.

It prompted an outpouring of love for the late pontiff in services at churches across the county, including at ‘The Hidden Gem’ St Mary’s church in Manchester city centre where the parish priest, Monsignor Anthony Kay, told a packed congregation at holy mass on Easter Monday that the death had ‘cast a shadow’.

He added: “We remember his service, his dedication to the church, his calls for mercy and compassion, his tireless efforts to build bridges of understanding and peace. He was a servant of the servants of god, a voice for the voiceless, a shepherd who sought the lost sheep.”

Among the worshippers at the historic 233-year-old church were sisters Marie Neild, 85, Sheila French, 76, and Patricia Berry, 86. Marie, from Wythenshawe, said: “It’s very upsetting. He only did the blessing the day before. It was a shock but he looked poorly. His legacy for me is that he always looked after the poor.

Sheila, from Northenden, said: “It was really sad. He was for the people. He wanted to make sure it wasn’t all about the ceremony and the riches.” Patricia, also from Northenden, said: “We went to see him a few years ago. When we got there it was a Wednesday and it was his day off so we didn’t see him. I really liked him. He was not just for the poor people but them that have been left behind. I liked him.”

Pat Kirbin, 80, from Middleton, said: “It’s very sad. He loved all mankind and embraced everybody. He has been ill and it wasn’t that big a shock really. Being in St Peter’s Square yesterday, I thought he would be a little bit longer with us but obviously not.”

Melissa Cusano, 56, visiting from Maine, USA, said: “He was really a pope for the people and really he saw everyone and believed everyone should be included and has value. I just think he was very special.”

Andrea Jackson, 57, from Glossop, said: “It was just very shocking. He has been a good pope and I hope they choose a good new one. He was a humble, honest pope and he tried to make change which was not always well received was it. He was a very likeable pope and non-Catholic friends of hours wished he was head of their church.”

Danny and Christine Power, both 68, from Moston, said: “It was such a shock and a great shame. He was definitely forward-thinking and proactive. He didn’t mind speaking his mind. It was definitely a move forward for the church, engaging with other religions and others parts of the Christian faith. He was a great man.”

Another worshipper, 29, from Oldham, who declined to be named, said the pope’s legacy was his ‘kindness’ and he added: “It’s obviously a shock but it was nice he got to see Easter and witness the resurrection of our lord.”

After the mass, Monsignor Kay said: “It’s not a shock his death, as we have journeyed with him during his final days of sickness over the last few months. But for those involved in the church the death of a pope is always a sad thing.”

Prominent British Muslim and campaigner Mohammed Shafiq, from Rochdale, posted: “One of the greatest Popes of all times has passed away. Pope Francis dedicated himself to his faith and Church, inspiring millions around the world to stand for peace, justice and human rights.

“His advocacy for Palestine and standing with those in Gaza has strengthened the spirit of the people and ultimately shamed the world as the killing goes on. As Christians mourn the loss of this great man I pay tribute to him and his service. The best tribute to him is an end to the violence in Gaza and freedom for Palestinians. World Leaders paying tribute to him today could learn how to stand against injustice.”

Manchester-based human rights lawyer Richard Scorer, who has written a book about abuse inside the British Catholic church, tweeted: “My condolences to my Catholic friends who are feeling the loss of Pope Francis.” However, he added that he found ‘talk about his progressivism & concern for the marginalised rather jarring’.

Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, said in a statement: “I can only imagine how many people are shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden death of Pope Francis. Although there have been various episodes of illness in recent times, he has always shown such determination to fulfil his commitments and return to his ministry. But this time, the final illness has been overwhelming and the Lord has called him to Himself. Let us pray that he will rest in peace and be rewarded for all that he has achieved for the Church, for us all, in his papal ministry.

“Let us be grateful for the humble way in which he served the Church, putting aside the pomp and decoration of his office, to be among us. From the first days of his papacy, he has shown his love for people and his determination to be close to those who came to him. Let us be grateful for his teaching and all that he has done to help the Church to be true to Gospel values in our ever-changing world.

“Let us give thanks for his concern for the environment which has done so much to make people within the Church and beyond aware of the dangers of climate change and the need for urgent action. Let us be thankful for his example of welcome to all who might be even curious about a faith in Jesus Christ.

“Every Pope must be a Pope for his time and we give thanks for the achievements of Pope Francis’ predecessors but we recognise the courage and the dedication of Pope Francis in guiding us in unprecedented times where our world is seemingly overwhelmed by conflicts, migration, poverty and climate change.

“He has died in the Octave of Easter, a time of great hope – in a Jubilee Year of Hope – and we must continue, aided by his prayers, to strengthen our commitment to build hope in our world for the dignity and well-being for all our brothers and sisters and our common home.

“He has shown us the way and, by our listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, in the Universal Synod, Pope Francis has ensured that we are the Body of Christ – the Church – for the times in which we live.”

Bishop Mark Davies, of the Shrewsbury Diocese which includes a large part of Greater Manchester south of the River Mersey, said: “Everyone who met Pope Francis during these past twelve years will remember his urgent request “Please, pray for me.” As we accompanied Pope Francis with our prayers during his service of the Church as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, so in the hour of death, it is our first duty to pray for the soul of the man who so became a holy father for us all.”