Flags are being flown at half-mast and Jersey’s Catholic community has paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday, remembering him as a spiritual leader who reached out to the excluded and gave hope to the marginalised.
The Bishop of Rome passed away at the age of 88 after a period of ill health, including a bout of pneumonia earlier this year.
His death was announced by Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who said Pope Francis had “returned to the home of the Father” at 7.35am on 21 April.
The Bailiff has asked for flags to be flown at half-mast across the island in tribute.
Canon Dominic Golding, the Catholic Dean of Jersey, led local tributes, highlighting the late pontiff’s compassion, humility, and global ministry.
“We are today united with Catholics and many others across the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis,” he said.
“For the last 12 years, he has been the leader of our church. He has sought to minister to all of us but especially to those who he said are on the peripheries, those who feel excluded or abandoned by the Church and society.
“I think of his ministry to migrants and refugees, to the elderly and to Christians such as the Catholic parish of Gaza, who for the last year or so he has telephoned every Sunday evening to assure them of his support.
“Now that he has died, he would want us to pray for him. As Catholics, we will do this in our homes and churches lighting candles and praying for the repose of his soul.”
“It is what we do for all our dearly departed, trusting in God’s love and mercy,” he added.
In the coming days, Catholics in Jersey are expected to offer prayers, light candles, and reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis.
As a further mark of respect, the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, has ordered all Government, Public and Parish buildings in Jersey to fly flags at half-mast until 8pm on 22 April.
“I was saddened on receiving the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Sir Timothy said.
“His selfless devotion to his faith and to all of those of good intent made him a much loved and respected figure who will be missed not only by the Catholic Community but all who admired his work.”
Deputy Sam Mézec, Housing Minister, also recognised Pope Francis’s role as a moral voice on the world stage.
“My thoughts today are with Jersey’s Catholic community and all of those who had admiration for Pope Francis,” he commented.
“During his tenure, he unashamedly stood for social, economic and environmental justice. He was the first Pope to affirm the human dignity of LGBTQ+ people. He consistently called for a ceasefire in Gaza and peace in the Middle East.
“In many respects, he filled the moral void created by so many self-interested and hypocritical political leaders. Let his example serve as our inspiration to create a better world and demand so much more from those who lead us.”
Officer’s from St Saviour’s Honorary Police said: “Jersey is a multi-faith and multi-denominational lsland, and we would like to offer of thoughts and prayers to those who follow the Roman Catholic faith at this time.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, led the Catholic Church for 12 years.
He was the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and first non-European Pope in over a millennium.
Known for his humility and plain speaking, he placed care for the poor, the environment and the displaced at the heart of his papacy.
He had resumed limited public duties in the weeks before his death, and was visited by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the Vatican on 9 April.
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