The UK’s leaders have been paying their tributes to Pope Francis after his death on Easter Monday aged 88.
Sir Keir Starmer said he joined “tens of millions around the globe in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis”, as he remembered his “courageous” leadership and “deep humility”.
“His leadership in a fancy and difficult time for the world and the church was courageous, yet all the time got here from a spot of deep humility,” the Prime Minister said.
“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was near the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the globe facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a greater world.
“That hope was as the guts of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people internationally to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.
“With his death, we’re reminded over again of his call to look after each other across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
“My thoughts are with Catholics internationally, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace.”
King Charles called Francis a “faithful follower of Jesus Christ” and said that he and Queen Camilla had received news of his death with “heavy hearts”.
He recalled with “particular affection” their meetings with him through the years, including most recently just just a few weeks before his death.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” he said.
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, nevertheless, to know that His Holiness was in a position to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
“His Holiness will probably be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of religion, and to those of goodwill who work for the good thing about others.
“His belief that look after Creation is an existential expression of religion in God resounded with so many internationally.
“Through his work and look after each people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said that his death on Easter Monday “feels especially poignant”.
“Pope Francis spent his final Easter yesterday bearing witness to the religion he devoted his life to – a quiet presence at a time when the world needed humility, courage and conviction,” she said.
She added, “He reminded us that leadership isn’t about power, but about service.”
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