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Pope's tenure one of 'simplicity and humility'

Gavin Kermack
BBC News, West Midlands
Kate Justice
BBC Hereford & Worcester
St George's Roman Catholic Church The late Pope Francis, an elderly man wearing a white skullcap-style hat over grey hair, with white robes and a gold scarf, clasps the hands of a man wearing black priest's clothing. The second man has short dark hair and glasses. They look to be engaged in conversation.St George's Roman Catholic Church
Canon John Batthula, Dean of Kidderminster and Worcester, met Pope Francis in 2017

Pope Francis was loved by both Catholics and non-Catholics and has left a strong legacy, church leaders have said.

The Pope, who was elected in 2013, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

Tributes have poured in and services held around the world as 1.4bn Catholics mourn his death.

The Very Rev Canon John Batthula, parish priest at St George's Roman Catholic Church in Worcester, described Pope Francis as an "exceptional leader" for both the church and humanity.

"I think his legacy would be that of exceptional leadership in times of troubles but also his theme would be one of mercy within the Church and outside the Church," he said.

Canon Batthula said that upon meeting the Pope in 2017, he was struck by his holiness - but also "his simplicity and humility".

"Normally, when we see the hierarchy, we [put people on] a pedestal, rather than them being one with the common people," explained Canon Batthula.

[But] he is not someone to appear to be 'glossy'. Instead [I saw] simplicity and humbleness in him. So those things will remain with me forever."

PA Media The late Pope Francis, an elderly man wearing a white skullcap-style hat over grey hair, with white robes and a large silver crucifix hanging around his neck. He is smiling and waving as crowds of people behind him take photographs.PA Media
Pope Francis was the first non-European to hold the position in more than 1,200 years

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope and the first non-European to lead the Church since Gregory III in the 8th Century.

The Vatican said he had suffered a stroke less than 24 hours after leading an Easter address in front of thousands of worshippers at St Peter's Square in Rome from a wheelchair, and following a period of ill health.

Diocese of Hereford The Bishop of Hereford, a man with short grey hair and glasses, stands in front of what looks like a cathedral building. He is wearing a grey suit jacket over a purple priest's smock with a white collar and has a cross around his neck. He is smiling at the camera.Diocese of Hereford
The Bishop of Hereford said the late Pope touched lives "around the world"

Canon Batthula said Pope Francis had been "an amazing messenger of peace and forgiveness" and hoped his successor would follow suit.

"We need a Pope who continues with the vigour and the openness [of] Holy Father Pope Francis to lead the Synodal pathway that he has started [for the faithful] to allow their voice to be heard."

The Anglican Diocese of Hereford also paid tribute.

"His ministry was remarkable and defined by faithful service, courage, and profound wisdom that touched countless lives around the world," said the Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Rev Richard Jackson.

"His loss will be felt far beyond the Roman Catholic community, as his light shone for the entire global church."

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