Tributes from bishops in region after pope's death

BISHOPS across the North East have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death yesterday at the age of 88.

- NICOLE GOODWIN

News of the pope's death came hours after his final public appearance, where he delivered an Easter Sunday blessing to the thousands who had gathered at the Vatican's St Peter's Square.

Yesterday, bishops in the North East shared their own blessing for the pontiff, who has been described as "a great inspiration" and "compassionate and humble pastor who showed a deep compassion for all humanity".

Bishop Stephen Wright, the bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, said: "As a diocesan family we pray for Pope Francis who was called to the Lord on the morning of the 21st April. In this Easter Octave where every day is celebrated as Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory of the resurrection over death. We pray Pope Francis now shares in that victory and enjoys eternal life.

"We give thanks for Pope Francis' ministry as a Jesuit priest, bishop in Argentina and finally as the successor of St Peter. As pope he always looked at situations through the eyes of the poor following the example of his patron, St Francis of Assisi.