Guernsey's Catholic community saddened by Pope's death

Tuesday, 22 April 2025 12:30

The news of the pontiff's death came just half an hour before Easter Monday mass at St Joseph's in St Peter Port.

Guernsey's Catholic Dean, Canon Christopher Rutledge, said the news of Pope Francis' death came as a shock to those preparing for Mass on Easter Monday morning:

"We had the news come to us just about 45 minutes before the Mass was due to start. So we were able change things a little bit and have prayers for him. It was dignified, but a lot of people were upset.

"It wasn't unexpected because we knew he was probably going to die soon. But it's like any loved one within our own family, it's always quite upsetting when it happens. It's a bit of a shock."

The 88 year old Pontiff had greeted well wishers in Rome on Easter Sunday, despite having only recently left hospital suffering from pneumonia and cardiac complications.

The Vatican later confirmed that he died of a stroke and heart failure.

Canon Christopher Rutledge said Pope Francis was inspirational to many:

"He lived a very simple life and followed St Francis of Assisi, who was always with the poor and destitute and that showed on Sunday."

A memorial Mass will take place at St Joseph's church on Friday 25 April at 6pm.

The Pope's funeral takes place on Saturday, from 9 in the morning UK time.