Christian leaders and christian organisations reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis
21 April 2025
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.
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.”
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
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.”
The Salvation Army said: “We are praying for our Roman Catholic friends and remembering a Christian leader who walked in the way of Jesus Christ.”
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.”
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.”
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.
Post expires on June 21st, 2025
