Latest news with #Pilgrimage:TheRoadToRome
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph recalls her meeting with the late Pope Francis that left both of them 'falling about laughing'
Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph treasures a fond memory of her one encounter with the late Pope Francis. The actress met the late Pontiff when taking part in 2019 BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome. Granted an audience with the Pontiff during filming, Lesley proudly recalled Francis telling her: 'You don't look 72.' Later receiving a parting embrace and kiss on the cheek from the Pope at the end of his audience, Lesley added: 'He burst out laughing and said, "You still don't look 72"!'. At which point I put my arm on his arm and said, "Oh, bless you!" Everybody fell about. "I can't believe you've just blessed the Pope."' Celebrities have publicly paid tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced his death on Easter Monday aged 88. The pontiff, who dedicated his 'entire life' to serving God and the Church, was remembered on social media by celebrities of all ages and religions. Among them was Whoopi Goldberg, 69, who recalled a past meeting Pope Francis. Alongside an image of the pair, the Sister Act star wrote: 'He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none believer. 'He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.' Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, also reflected on his time with the Pope. The Spanish actor, 64, shared a picture from his meeting with the pontiff in 2016 and wrote: 'Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people. @franciscus #RIP #DEP'. Eva Longoria - who met the pope in 2016 - also paid tribute, writing:' Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, recalled a meeting with the pontiff Eva Longoria - who met the pope in 2016 - also paid tribute, writing:' Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized' 'Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.' Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff. The British reverend tweeted: 'Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Jorge, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. 'Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. #PopeFrancis.' Livia Firth penned: 'No matter the religion, he was a giant of a man - for love, for justice, for peace. No matter his position and the constraints that came with it, he tried. 'I loved his humanity and some of his work (the 'Laudato Si', on care for our common home' is so beautiful) 'Your voice will be missed in the world Jorge Mario Bergoglio.' Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff King Charles paid tribute to the Pope's 'compassion' and 'devotion' to the church Sarah Ferguson wrote: 'No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us not just with words, but with your unwavering service to humanity' Boxer Frank Bruno paid his respects, writing: 'Morning for those not heard His Holiness the Pope has passed away. 'I am not very religious but was married in a Catholic church. May he rest in peace #rip #morning #monday.' King Charles also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying he was 'deeply saddened' to learn of the Pope's passing. He said Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be 'remembered for his compassion' and had 'profoundly touched the lives of so many'. Pope Francis's death came just weeks after King Charles and Queen Camilla met His Eminence in Rome during a royal visit to Italy, with His Majesty saying the couple were 'greatly moved to have been able to visit him'. The Pontiff had spent the last couple of months battling health problems, including a bout of pneumonia which left him hospitalised. He had recovered enough to hold a private audience with the pair on April 9, and he had been seen at public events over the Easter weekend, while also meeting US Vice President JD Vance in recent days. However, it was announced early on Easter Monday that he had passed away, sending more than a billion Catholics worldwide into mourning.
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Pope Francis kissed me on the cheek – his brilliant response had everyone in stitches'
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, and Lesley Joseph has shared an amusing anecdote about the late pontiff from 2019 when she met him while filming for the BBC's Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome Lesley Joseph has shared a hilarious anecdote about her encounter with Pope Francis, which left everyone in fits of laughter. The Birds of a Feather star, 79, met the late Pope during the filming of BBC's Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome in 2019. She recalled being granted an audience with the Pope, who kindly told her she didn't look her age - then 72. However, after embracing her and planting a kiss on her cheek, the Pope had a five-word response that was followed by much amusement, according to the Mail. Lesley said: "He burst out laughing and said, 'You still don't look 72'. At which point I put my arm on his arm and said, 'Oh, bless you!' Everybody fell about. 'I can't believe you've just blessed the Pope'." This comes following the sad news of Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke leading to a coma and irreversible heart failure, as reported by the Vatican. The Pope's final testament was also revealed, including his wish to be buried "in the ground, without particular ornamentation" but with "Franciscus" inscribed, according to Sky News. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church when he was elected Pope in 2013. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope passed away less than 24 hours after making an appearance in his wheelchair before worshippers in St Peter's Square for his Easter address, according to BBC reports. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in a statement from the Vatican, said he had "returned to the home of the Father". The statement further read: "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised." In 2024, Lesley Joseph made a heartbreaking confession about the possibility of reprising her role as Dorien Green on Birds of a Feather, where she starred alongside Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke. The actress, who will be turning 80 in 2025, confessed that she doesn't know "how much longer" she can continue in the industry. Despite being as "fit as a flea," there are a "few other things" she'd like to do before hanging up her acting boots. In a chat with the Mirror, she expressed: "The older I get the more frightened I become of forgetting my lines and making a fool of myself in front of an audience. I think I'll know when the time is right for me to retire, but it's not today." Lesley, whose mother lived to the age of 103, previously shared her thoughts on the secret to ageing, stating in 2019 that it all boils down to exercise. She revealed: "The secret of ageing carefully and properly is exercise, both mental and physical."
