Religious leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Religious leaders across the Channel Islands have paid tribute to Pope Francis who has died after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Vatican confirmed the Pope, 88, died at 07:35 local time (06:35 BST) on Monday, after being recently discharged from hospital having had weeks of treatment for an infection.

The Catholic Dean of Jersey, Canon Dominic Golding said the late Pope had "a great heart for others".

The Catholic Dean of Guernsey, Canon Christopher Rutledge said the island's Catholic community would mourn the death of Pope Francis.

Canon Golding said: "I think he will be remembered as a man who had a great simplicity of life.

"He chose not to live in the Vatican apartment. He lived in three rooms, I gather, in a papal guesthouse.

"But above all he was a man who had a great heart for others."

Canon Rutledge said: "The Catholic community in Guernsey mourn the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis. May he rest eternal with our blessed Lord this Easter time."

The Bailiff has requested that all Jersey's government, public and parish buildings, where possible, should fly Jersey flags at half-mast from now until 20:00 BST on Tuesday as a mark of respect.

Sir Timothy Le Cocq said: "I was saddened on receiving the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

"His selfless devotion to his faith and to all of those of good intent made him a much loved and respected figure who will be missed not only by the Catholic community but all who admired his work."

In Guernsey, a memorial service for the late Pope was held at St Joseph and St Mary Catholic Church at 09:30 BST on Monday.

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