On the day of Pope Francis' funeral, Bishop Michael has written to Bishop Bosco, the Bishop of Clifton, to share with him a message for the people of the Diocese of Clifton, as we hold them and all our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church in our prayers today.
In his message Bishop Michael said:
As Pope Francis’s funeral takes place today, please know that I, and your brothers and sisters in the Anglican Diocese of Bath and Wells, will be holding you, everyone in the Diocese of Clifton and all our brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church worldwide in our thoughts and prayers.
We give thanks for Pope Francis’s life and mourn his passing. We give thanks for all that he gave to the people of the world and we praise God for his leadership of the Church. Confident of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and of the promises he has made to those who follow him, through our tears we pray that all people will be able to cry ‘Alleluia’ as Francis is buried today.
This comes with love and best wishes from us all and with deepest sympathy at this time,
A prayer for Pope Francis on the day of his funeral
God our Father, by raising Christ your Son
you destroyed the power of death
and opened for us the way to eternal life.
As we remember before you your servant Francis,
we ask your help for all who shall gather in his memory.
Grant us the assurance of your presence and grace,
by the Spirit you have given us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.