Tributes in South to Pope Francis who 'crossed all boundaries'
Members of the Catholic community in the south of England have been paying tribute to Pope Francis, who has died aged 88.The Vatican's announcement of his death came just a day after he appeared in a wheelchair at St Peter's Square to wish thousands of worshipers gathered there a "Happy Easter"."He was a person who crossed all the boundaries," said Canon Paul Fitzpatrick, of The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Henley.While Francis Davis, a Catholic author from Portsmouth and community activist who works across the Solent and Wessex region, said meeting Pope Francis at The Vatican had been an "overwhelming" experience.
Canon Fitzpatrick said more people than usual attended his service on Sunday, where there was "a subdued feeling and sadness". "Pope Francis had done so much, not just for Catholics but for the world," he added.Mr Davis said he told the Pope he had been working to protect vulnerable elders locally, when he met him."He said, 'Defend the poor', which is quite a mandate really."This is a man who set an example with his own life and devoted that life to defending the poor, spending time with the weakest and trying to find a way to include them in the decision-making structures of the church."Writing on X, he said: "Go well @Pontifex. Thank you for walking the margins towards the centre."The Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, the Right Reverend Philip Egan described the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church as "a very human Pope" who had "called us to put our Christian faith into action"."He has also championed the marginalised, the poor, the invisible... working for a more fraternal world and for peace," he continued."His role internationally is a very, very important one and there's been a wonderful legacy."
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
17 hours ago
- Wales Online
The latest postcode lottery winners in Wales as two areas win big
The latest postcode lottery winners in Wales as two areas win big People living in two parts of Wales are celebrating significant windfalls Swansea residents Dimuthu, Alan, Tracey, Gemma, and Kay-Marie with Danyl Johnson (third-left), from the People's Postcode Lottery (Image: The Postcode Lottery ) People living in 24 streets in Wales have landed cash windfalls over the course of the last 30 days thanks to the People's Postcode Lottery and two groups of residents in particular have a huge reason to celebrate. While postcode lottery players in 17 different areas banked a cool £1,000 each there was a particularly special reason to celebrate for those living on CF38 2RE in Llantwit Fardre after receiving cheques for a whopping £33,333 each on May 31. And life was even sweeter for 11 neighbours living in SA1 6XS in Swansea, who won £90,909 each on Saturday, May 10. Among them was mum-of-three Gemma Archer who suffered a serious injury on Easter Sunday while roller-skating and required major surgery. Within 24 hours her life was changed for the better when she won a share the prize. She said: "I was in hospital having an operation and the very next day I've won over £90,000. I'm still in shock. I couldn't breathe. It's life-changing. I just really, really wasn't expecting it. It's really strange as it doesn't happen to people like me. "For the first time in two and half weeks there is no pain right now. The adrenaline and everything have just kicked in. I'm in a world of my own." Click here to read more. Article continues below It was a particularly lucky month for Swansea with six separate streets banking cash. Players pay £12 per month to enter the £1,000 daily draw and there's also a weekly draw on a Thursday that awards £10 each to players in 1,000 postcodes. One third of the price of every ticket bought is donated to charity. People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which raises money for charities. Players win cash prizes and good causes receive support. Players sign up with their postcode and pay £12 per month. They are then automatically entered into every draw and prizes are announced every day of the month. A total of 33% of the ticket price goes to charities. For money-saving tips sign up to our Money newsletter here. People's Postcode Lottery winners between May 10 and June 6: June 6 CF3 0AS - £1,000 (St Mellons, Cardiff) CH5 3QF - £1,000 (Hawarden, Deeside) June 5 SA8 3DF - £1,000 (Pontardawe, Swansea) June 4 CF31 3DB - £1,000 (Bridgend) SA62 6AN - £1,000 (Roch, Pembrokeshire) June 3 CF47 0NA (Merthyr Tydfil) - £1,000 June 2 CF81 9RN (Pontlottyn) June 1 SA61 2TY - £1,000 (Haverfordwest) SA1 6FQ - £1,000 (Swansea) May 31 CF38 2RE - £33,333 (Llantwit Fardre) May 30 LL54 5BJ - £1,000 (Trefor) May 29 CF24 4BG - £1,000 (Cardiff) May 28 CF81 9BP - £1,000 (Aberbargoed) May 22 NP10 9FR - £1,000 (Rogerstone) May 20 CH4 0FT- £1,000 (Flintshire) May 19 SY16 2BT - £1,000 (Newtown) SA3 4TF- £1,000 (Swansea) May 16 SA2 0FL- £1,000 (Swansea) May 15 SA3 3JJ - £1,000 (Swansea) May 14 CF36 3AY - £1,000 (Porthcawl) SA11 3ET - £1,000 (Neath) May 13 CF48 4NW - £1,000 (Aberfan) May 12 SA13 2ND - £1,000 (Port Talbot) May 10 Article continues below SA1 6XS - £90,909 (Swansea) Get daily news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. See our Privacy Notice.
Leader Live
17 hours ago
- Leader Live
Plans for remedial works at St. Winefride Church in Holywell
A planning application has been submitted to Flintshire Council regarding the St. Winefride's Roman Catholic Church in Holywell. The church holds national significance - with Holywell being recognised as one of the most historically important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the country. The church's presbytery, with its 17th-century origins, is of particular historical importance, reflected in its Grade II listing. Its designation highlights the well-preserved historic buildings, which provide insight into the architectural style and liturgical functions of the church during its period. The church is named after St Winefride - a 7th-century Catholic martyr. The nearby St Winefride's Well, a holy well and shrine, has been welcoming Catholic pilgrims for 14 centuries and is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The proposal is for extensive remedial works at the church's western façade. A planning statement says: "The presbytery is in a state of significant disrepair. Extensive water damage has affected the structure, leading to chipping paint, broken windows, deteriorating render, and roof defects. "These issues have contributed to mould growth, rotting timber, poor internal air quality, and persistent dampness, among other concerns. Without intervention, ongoing deterioration is highly likely to result in structural failure or irreparable damage." It adds that if repair works aren't carried out, a "substantial amount of important historical architectural history could be lost". The statement continues: "The proposed works require a re-model of the western façade of St Winefride's Catholic Church Presbytery with the removal of the conservatory at its gable end. The state of repair of the gable end is contributing to an ingress of rainwater, which is damaging the structure of the building. "Page 4 of the report of by Vale Consultancy states that the current structural condition of the conservatory means that renovation would practically be close to impossible, without extensive replacement and underpinning to conform to modern Building Regulations. "Their assessment concluded 'Due to evidence of water ingress/ dampness, sloping ground floors, possible subsidence, and poor detail between the glass roof and the main wall, it is suggested that the Green House is demolished and rebuilt in modern construction'." (Image: Planning documents) The work would be completed in four phases - which would begin with the demolition of the conservatory. Phase two will also involve carrying out conservation works on windows considered to be the most important in the building, appearing to date from the second quarter of the 19th century and having "fine gothic detailing". (Image: Planning documents) Phase three would involve repairing all internal walls within the utility room and toilet area damaged by ingress of rainwater with lime plaster. MORE NEWS: Phase four includes repainting the presbytery gantry due to corrosion. (Image: Planning documents) The statement concludes: "The planned refurbishment and remedial works will improve the overall condition of the dwelling, prolong the life of the listed building, and enhance the surrounding area's appearance. "While the repairs may introduce minor changes to the building's heritage, the practical benefits far outweigh any impacts, leading to a significantly improved visual appeal. "In conclusion, the proposals are considered essential to the ongoing care of the presbytery, thoughtfully designed with respect for its existing materials and architectural aesthetic."
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Man to face no action after boy hit in Blandford Forum accident
A man arrested after a three-year-old boy was seriously hurt when he was hit by a car towing a caravan will face no further 19-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after the boy was hurt near Milldown Road in Blandford Forum, Dorset, on 8 Police said officers had found no evidence of driving offences after an boy was airlifted to Southampton Hospital in the aftermath of the the accident but was released from hospital in mid-May and is expected to make a full recovery. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
