The Rt Revd Anthony Ball, Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See, has issued the following statement:

With millions around the world, I mourn the death of His Holiness Pope Francis and give thanks for his extraordinary ministry. His tireless efforts to work to promote the flourishing of the most marginalised, to reach out to those who feel forgotten and to advocate for the proper stewardship of God’s creation are amongst the charisms that have led him to be held in such affection. The Anglican Centre in Rome and those we represent have particular cause to be grateful for his generosity of spirit and commitment to fostering greater unity and collaboration. It is poignant that Pope Francis’ last public act should have been one of blessing, “urbi et orbi”.

In this Easter Week, with our confidence in the Resurrection renewed, we offer condolences to all those who are grieving at this time, particularly our sisters and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church