Bishop Marcus greatly appreciates the kind condolences which he has received from people of all faiths and none, who have been in contact with tributes to Pope Francis.
Here is what our brothers and sisters from the Jewish and Hindu communities have written …:
Judge Laurence Saffer, President of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, wrote to Bishop Marcus on behalf of the Leeds Jewish Community to extend deepest condolences to all members of the Diocese of Leeds on the passing of His Holiness the Pope. Judge Saffer said:
‘The loss of such a towering spiritual figure is felt profoundly, not only within the Catholic world but by people of all faiths who were touched by his boundless compassion, moral leadership, and unwavering commitment to peace and dignity for all. His contagious smile and warm presence brought comfort and hope to millions across the globe.
In his words and in his actions, the Pope demonstrated a remarkable ability to build bridges between communities, promote dialogue, and inspire a more just and loving world. We in the Jewish community deeply appreciated his efforts to strengthen Catholic-Jewish relations, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.
At this time of mourning, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, the clergy, and the entire Catholic community of Leeds. May his memory be for a blessing, and may his legacy continue to illuminate the path toward compassion and peace.’
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Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL, who has been a close associate of our clergy in the Bradford University Chaplaincy, asked that this message of condolence be conveyed from the Hindu community to all in our Diocese and beyond:
‘It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
As a Hindu, I have long admired Pope Francis for his unwavering commitment to the universal values that transcend all religious boundaries. His tireless advocacy for compassion, unity, and the dignity of every human being deeply resonates with the ancient Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The world is one family.”
His Holiness exemplified this sacred principle throughout his life and ministry. He spoke and acted from a place of deep spiritual wisdom, always striving to bring humanity closer together. His vision of a world where all people—regardless of faith, background, or nationality—could live in peace and harmony, mirrored the timeless truths embedded in our shared human experience.
Pope Francis’s leadership reminded us that we are all interconnected—not only with one another but with the environment and the Earth we call home. His concern for the natural world and for the most vulnerable among us was not only noble but deeply spiritual. In this, too, he aligned with the Hindu ethos of ahimsa (non-violence), seva (selfless service), and reverence for all forms of life.
His legacy is one of love, humility, and unity. Though the world has lost a great spiritual guide, the light he brought into our lives will continue to shine for generations to come.
May his soul find eternal peace, and may his life’s message continue to inspire us all to work towards a more compassionate, harmonious world.’
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The Church of England Bishop of Leeds, The Right Reverend Nick Baines, has also been in contact to express his sincere condolences personally … and Anglican clergy from St George’s in Leeds attended the Mass at Leeds Cathedral for the repose of the Holy Father’s Soul.
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From Churches Together in Wetherby: Captain Yvonne West, Corps Officer, Wetherby Salvation Army, Divisional Safeguarding Officer, Yorkshire & Humber Division:
‘As Chair of Churches Together in Wetherby and District, I join with our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church and with millions of Christians around the world as we thank God for the life and ministry of Pope Francis who died earlier this morning.
Pope Francis’s life centred on Jesus, always bearing in mind that he came not to be served, but to serve. There was much solidarity in Pope Francis’s willingness to serve the poor, his love for neighbour, especially the most marginalised in our societies, his deep compassion for the care for creation, and his deep desire to lead and build the church in new directions.
Well done, good and faithful servant! May he rest in peace and rise in glory!’
… and in acknowledgement of Captain West’s condolences, a response from Mgr Andrew Summersgill, Parish Priest of St Joseph’s, Wetherby:
‘On behalf of the Catholics in our area, can I thank you most sincerely for your warm reflection on the life and ministry of Pope Francis and for the unity we share in praying to the Lord for his eternal rest. I was reading his address that was given for him from the balcony of St Peter’s yesterday as he sat there. It ends with a lovely reflection which we can all share:
“In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever. He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new! Happy Easter to everyone!”
May he rest in peace.’
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We are extremely touched by this heartfelt support! All other messages of condolence received from faith leaders from communities across the Diocese of Leeds will (with the writer’s permission) be published or quoted from here …
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