On behalf of the people of Southwark Cathedral, the Dean, the Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley has written to Michael, Dean of St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, to express our condolences and shared sadness at the death of Pope Francis. We give thanks for his life, compassion and voice for the poor and vulnerable.

Below, a prayer from the Church of England

Father in heaven, we praise your name
for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you,
for the example of their lives,
the life and grace you gave them
and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant Francis
and for all that you did through him.
Meet us in our sadness
and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving,
for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

Into your hands, O merciful Saviour,
we commend your servant Francis.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Enfold him in the arms of your mercy,
in the blessed rest of everlasting peace
and in the glorious company of the saints in light.

Amen.