Moray, Ross and Caithness bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis
The Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, who is the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, has shared his message of condolence upon the death of Pope Francis yesterday (April 21).
The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, was elected to lead the Catholic Church in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI stood down.
His death at the age of 88 came less than 24 hours after he made an appearance at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.
Rev Mark Strange said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all in the Roman Catholic Church today as they mourn the death of Pope Francis.
“His generosity and love for all of God’s Creation and his willingness to be open and approachable allowed him to get close to people, and to love and be loved by so many. The joy on the faces in St Peter’s Square as he gave the Easter Blessing will be something dearly held as the mourning begins for this remarkable servant of God.
“When the Anglican Primates met in Rome last year, he spent time talking to us, listened to the questions we asked and he answered us. This positive dialogue encouraged us all and we felt able to share with him our thoughts, as he did with us. This was clearly one of his gifts that enabled such conversations to take place between many of the world’s churches.
“May he now Rest in Peace.”
