Statement on the death of Pope Francis
Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis 1936 – 2025
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets... to a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”
We express our deep condolences to our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in Sheffield on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. Alongside all Christians in South Yorkshire, we grieve the loss of a visionary leader and reformer of the 21st-century Church.
The Very Revd Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield, said:
“Today we mourn the loss of Pope Francis. He taught us all to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in support of the poorest and most marginalised. We give thanks for his example and that he celebrated the great feast of Easter here on earth a final time, before being caught up for all eternity in the light of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We join the prayers of our Catholic brothers and sisters throughout the world, and especially our friends at the Cathedral Church of St Marie in Sheffield.”