Shock and sadness at death of Pope Francis
People at Catholic churches in Coventry have shared their shock and sadness after the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
He died at his residence in the Vatican on Easter Monday, a day after he appeared in St Peter's Square to wish thousands of worshippers a happy Easter.
Pope Francis spent 12 years as the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Monsignor Tom Farrell, the Dean of Coventry and the parish priest of Christ the King, told BBC Radio CWR about his shock, but also of his joy that the Pope had been able to give his final blessing.
"I think everybody has known he's been unwell for quite a while," he said, "but to see him out on the balcony giving the Easter blessing was a wonderful joy for so many Catholics."
He said: "Although it's a shock, I think people are pleased that he was able to have that final appearance, give that final blessing before his passing."
Martin McLintock, who was part of the congregation at St Osburg's Church in Coventry on Easter Monday, said the Pope had been able to look at all denominations and had been "fair with everyone and tried his best".
He said in particular, he had "a big fondness for those who are poor and those who are less privileged than some of us".
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died following a stroke and heart failure, less than 24 hours after he led his Easter address.
His death followed a period of ill health that saw him spend five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia.
Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected Pope in 2013.
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Vatican announces death of Pope Francis aged 88
Coventry and Nuneaton Catholic Deanery website
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