Pope Francis has died aged 88. He served as Pope from his election on 13 March 2013 to 21 April 2025.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Archbishop of Westminster and CTE President, said:
“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.
Read more from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
The Presidents of Churches Together in England said “Pope Francis was a leader who carried out his duties with a sense of justice and love. He was a pilgrim who journeyed with courage and conviction alongside “the least of these”, including those who were dispossessed and displaced. With compassion and inclusivity, he pointed the way toward a global Catholic community that is bold in its witness. We are thankful for his life of service to God and all of creation. For his ecumenical heart and spirit of togetherness. His honesty and joy in mission. For his voice that echoed the call of Christ with fresh clarity, up to the days before his death. May he rest in peace and rise in glory”.
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said:
‘Let us walk together, work together, pray together.’ These are the words Pope Francis said to me when we met in 2023. They sum up his vision for the church, both the Roman Catholic Church but also ecumenically. Francis’s whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve. We saw that compellingly in Francis’s service of the poor, his love of neighbour especially the displaced, migrant, the asylum seeker, his deep compassion for the well-being of the earth and his desire to lead and build the church in new ways. Francis showed us how to follow Jesus and encouraged us to go and do likewise.”
General Secretary of Churches Together in England Bishop Mike Royal said:
“Today we are learning of the passing of Pope Francis. A man who held his office with dignity, yet humility. He was a breath of fresh air. A man who seemed to be in touch with the everyday issues that affected people lives.
I remember being at St Peter’s Square for the ecumenical prayer gathering in September 2023 that brought Christians together, signalling the Pope’s desire to listen and value voices beyond those around him. He will be remembered for speaking up for social justice. For being willing to have conversations about social norms that are so often divisive for the church. He is rightly lauded for standing up for climate justice. And it seems fitting that his last public address called for a lasting peace in Gaza. He was a voice from the global south at odds with so much that occupies the headlines today.
Of course, he will be sadly mourned by the faithful in the Catholic Church. However, people from across the Christian faith, people of other faiths and none will also feel a deep sense of loss. His Christ-like concern for the last and the least will be his abiding memory. Today we didn’t just lose a Pope, we lost a wonderful human being.”
CTE President and Moderator of the Free Churches Group, Rev Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson said of Pope Francis: ” He was a pioneer of conscience, courage, and conviction—one who refused to look away from suffering. He turned toward the wounded people and places of the world as a Gospel imperative, reminding us that God’s presence is not found in the triumphs of power but in the cries of the poor. He was a listening Pope – a leader who will be remembered. For a life poured out in service, we give thanks.”
CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President, and National Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy UK Tedroy Powell said: “We join with millions around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a servant-leader whose humility, compassion, and Christ-centered witness touched hearts far beyond the ecclesiastical boundaries of the Roman Catholic Church…May the Lord receive him into eternal rest, and may his legacy inspire us all to walk humbly, love deeply, and proclaim Christ boldly. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9”
CTE President for the Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain) Archbishop Nikitas sent letters of condolence in his role as President of the Conference of European Churches. He said: “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope, whose compassionate leadership transcended denominational boundaries. His dedication to peace and justice has enriched not only the Catholic Church but also the broader human community. His legacy of humility and service will continue to inspire us all.”
In a statement, the Methodist Church in Britain said: “Through his papacy, Francis has fostered an openness to Christians sharing together in the Church’s life and mission, in ways which have broken new ground for the Catholic Church. In all these ways, for many Methodists Pope Francis’s witness to the Christian faith holds a special resonance, and his loss is deeply felt.”
The United Reformed Church reflected on his ministry: “Francis’ ministry as Pope was remarkable. From his simple “good evening” to the crowds on the evening of his election to the warmth that radiated from him, he caught the imagination of the world. Not since John XXIII has the non-Catholic world felt such warmth towards a Pope. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland said in a statement “Our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic brothers and sisters on the passing of Pope Francis. His humility and compassion touched many. May he rest in peace. We will always remember him as a true friend of our nation.”
The Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain said: “Lutherans join Catholics and other faith communities across the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis.” They went on to quote the Lutheran World Federation General Secretary, Rev Dr Anne Burghardt: “As we mourn his death, we give thanks for his life and legacy of reform, renewal, unity, which opened doors of dialogue and brought the church closer to people from all walks of life.”Deepest sympathies to all my Catholic friends, family and ecumenical colleagues on the loss of Pope Francis.
Following the news that Pope Francis has died, the Baptist Union General Secretary Lynn Green said: “I am saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis and I give thanks for his life and ministry. He was a man of deep humility, with an unwavering commitment to God and the Roman Catholic Church. He was consistent in his commitment to advocating for vulnerable and marginalised people on a range of issues. He tirelessly affirmed the cause of ecumenism, persistently commended the virtues of synodality and has been an inspirational leader to many.”
Administrative Bishop for the New Testament Church of God England & Wales, Bishop Claion B. Grandison commented: “The New Testament Church of God extends its deepest condolences to Cardinal Vincent Nichols and the entire Catholic community on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We honour his legacy of humility, compassion, and unwavering service to humanity. Our heartfelt prayers are with our Catholic brothers and sisters around the world at this very sad time. May God’s peace and comfort be with you all. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
Archbishop Angaelos, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, gave this comment on the late Pope: “In life, Pope Francis was a shepherd to many as a man of humility, courage, and conviction. Whilst his approach on certain matters divided opinion, no one could deny the underlying depth and genuineness of his pastoral care and concern…We pray repose for the soul of Pope Francis, comfort for his spiritual children, and wisdom and discernment for, when the time comes, the selection of a shepherd, that our Lord may choose that shepherd after His own heart.”
On behalf of the Congregational Federation their General Secretary Yvonne Campbell said “Deepest sympathies to all my Catholic friends, family and ecumenical colleagues on the loss of Pope Francis. How amazing that he was able to give his Easter blessing yesterday. A gentleman who made such a difference and was an inspiration with Jesus at his heart. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main, the Territorial Leaders for The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, have written to the Archbishop of Westminster, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. The Commissioners wrote: “On behalf of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, we extend our deepest condolences to you and the entire Roman Catholic community following the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis was a beacon of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. His dedication to serving the marginalised and his commitment to justice and peace resonated far beyond the walls of the Church, touching lives across the world. His leadership embodied the love of Christ, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
In this time of mourning, Salvationists in the United Kingdom and Ireland are praying for the Roman Catholic community, asking for God’s comfort and strength to be upon you. Yet even in grief, we hold fast to the reality of Christ’s resurrection – the eternal hope that death is not the end, but rather the gateway to new life in Him. May this truth bring consolation and peace as you honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The Moravian Church in Great Britain said: “The British Province joins with the wider ecumenical family in mourning his passing. He was a man of great faith and humble service, and an inspiration to the church universal. We give thanks for his life and pray for all who grieve his passing.”
International Founder of the Ruach Network of Churches, Bishop John Francis said: “Ruach City Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis and expresses gratitude for his life and service. His steadfast dedication to God and the Roman Catholic Church was truly remarkable. He will be deeply missed.”
Apostolic Faith Mission International Ministries (AFMIM) UK President Rev Dr Charles Chipere offered condolences on the passing to glory of Pope Francis. He said: “We mourn together with the Roman Catholic Church at the sad loss of Pope Francis. But better still, we celebrate his promotion to glory after a life well-lived in God’s service.”
Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in the UK and Europe, HE Metropilitan Abraham Stephanos, said: “His Holiness Pope Francis will be remembered as a shepherd of humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. His dedication to fostering unity among Christian communities has left an indelible mark on the journey towards ecclesial reconciliation.”
Ground Level Leader and CTE Secretary Richard Bradbury said: “On behalf of Ground Level, I wish to express my condolences to my Catholic brothers and sisters on the passing of Pope Francis. His book on Climate Change (Laudato Si) has been particularly helpful in shaping our own views on this issue. His influence on the broader church within the world cannot be underestimated.”
The Presiding Archbishop Moses Owusu-Sekyere and the Regional Bishops of the Apostolic Pastoral Congress issued a statement of condolence following the Pope’s passing. They said: “We humbly express our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His Holiness was a shepherd to the universal Church, a beacon of faith, hope, and compassion, whose leadership and spiritual guidance have touched the lives of millions around the world. We mourn the loss of a beloved spiritual father whose unwavering commitment to the Gospel and dedication to fostering peace, justice, and unity among all peoples will be forever remembered. His Holiness’s humility, wisdom and tireless service have left a profound legacy that will continue to inspire us in our pastoral endeavours.”
Bishop Desmond Greaves, Vice President of the Joint Council of Churches for all Nations said: “We join the global mourners in praying for the late Pope Francis, particularly the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has demonstrated the full characteristics of Christ. He is a true beacon of light, an agent of change who shines into this dark world. He has fought a good fight, and indeed finished his course; he lived and served to the very end. Now he is in a “far better place” (Philippians 1:23).”
Pastor Leke Sanusi, the Europe Continental Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God said: “We were deeply saddened by news of the passing of Pope Francis. He will be remembered as a warm, humble, and compassionate spiritual leader who also courageously championed the cause of the vulnerable and voiceless globally. Pope Francis was a tender-hearted and benevolent leader whose commitment to peace and social justice will continue to inspire many. We pray that the good Lord will comfort the Catholic Church at this time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Bishop Alvin Blake, Calvary Church of God in Christ (COGIC) said “On behalf of the Calvary Church of God in Christ, United Kingdom Jurisdiction, I extend our deepest condolences to the Roman Catholic Church Community, the Vatican, and to all who mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pope Francis stood as a global witness for humility, grace, and compassion. He was a shepherd who walked among the people, who spoke courageously for justice, and who demonstrated love across boundaries of denomination, class, and creed. His heart for the marginalized, his openness to dialogue, and his unwavering faith left an indelible mark on the world.
In the spirit of unity and Christian brotherhood, we honour his life and legacy. As a Pentecostal body rooted in holiness and service, COGIC recognises the significance of spiritual leadership in these times. Pope Francis reminded us all that Christ’s Church must always be a voice of hope and a vessel of healing in a broken world.
We pray for the Catholic faithful in the United Kingdom and around the world, that the God of all comfort will strengthen and sustain them. We also pray that the example Pope Francis has left us will continue to inspire every believer to live a life marked by love, justice, and mercy. May he rest in eternal peace, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ abide with all who mourn.”
In a statement, CAFOD, the Catholic development agency said: “As the world mourns his passing, Pope Francis’ legacy will be remembered as one that brought the Church closer to its mission of love, mercy and justice. His teachings will continue to inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike, ensuring that his call for environmental responsibility and a fairer world remains alive for generations to come.”
Christian Aid issued a statement: “Christian Aid is sad to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. He always championed the oppressed, marginalised and those struggling with poverty, particularly people around the world impacted by conflict, the climate crisis and the unfair debt crisis…we offer our prayers and give thanks for his life.”
Chair of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR), Rev Dr Mark Wakelin said: “Today the Catholic Church lost its leader and the wider church lost a prophetic voice. Pope Francis was a beacon of hope in increasingly dark times. He dared to frequently speak God’s truth of gospel nonviolence in a world that seems addicted to war. The work and witness of Pope Francis will be long remembered as one that lifted our eyes to focus on the work of God, not one that sought to make the work of God acceptable to human eyes.”
Christians Against Poverty’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart McCulloch, said: “All brothers and sisters in Christ will be deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. He was a tireless and prophetic voice for those experiencing poverty, constantly challenging the indifference and economic structures that harm the vulnerable.
Photo credits: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk taken at the ecumenical prayer vigil in September 2023.
Read a reflection on Pope Francis and ecumenism from CTE Trustee Bishop Paul Hendricks.
CTE Chair of Trustees Rev Dr Callan Slipper reflects on meeting Pope Francis in 2014 and his legacy.