First Minister leads tributes to Pope Francis who's died at the age of 88

People have been paying their respects at a service at St David's Catholic Cathedral in Cardiff to remember Pope Francis who died on Monday aged 88.

Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan MS has paid tribute to Pope Francis who has died at the age of 88.

The Vatican said in a statement on Monday morning: "At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church."

The pope was last seen in public on Easter Sunday, where he blessed thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square.

In a statement, Ms Morgan said: "It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

"As First Minister of Wales, and as a Christian, I offer my deepest condolences to the Catholic community in Wales and around the world.

"Pope Francis led with unwavering humility, courage and profound compassion. Throughout his papacy, he was a tireless advocate for the poor, the marginalised and the displaced. He reminded us all that the fight against poverty, climate change and injustice is not just a political or social task, but a moral calling. His message was clear: every person, regardless of background, race, or sexuality, deserves dignity, respect and love.

"His famous call to ‘not judge, but walk with’ exemplified a faith rooted in love, empathy and understanding for all people, focusing on compassion rather than condemnation.

"In his final months, he spoke with moral clarity, condemning what he referred to as the ‘genocide’ in Gaza, urging the world to recognise the humanity of all people and to choose peace over destruction.

"In a world that often feels divided, Pope Francis built bridges of unity and his legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the values he championed - values that continue to inspire us here in Wales.

"On behalf of the Welsh Government, I offer our deepest sympathies to all those mourning his loss. May he rest in peace, and may his example continue to guide and inspire us all."

In February, the pope was admitted to hospital for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia and stayed there for 38 days.

Francis had long battled health problems; he had part of one lung removed as a young man and suffered long bouts of acute bronchitis in winter.

Reflecting on the death of Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Wales said: “It was with the most profound sadness that I heard of the death of Pope Francis. With his passing, the world has lost a leader whose love, compassion and care for the poor and marginalised were worthy of the Saint from whom he took his name.

"I recall with great fondness our meeting in the Vatican in December 2023 when we spoke about Wales and I was able to present him with a symbolic gift. In the Church in Wales, we join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church as they mourn the loss of the Holy Father, and we give thanks with them for a life of faith which has been an inspiration to countless millions."

In Wales, we shall have a lasting reminder of his generosity with the gift of a piece of the True Cross, which is incorporated in the ceremonial Cross of Wales which led the Coronation procession and which is now shared between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in Wales. After his life of devotion to our Saviour Jesus Christ, may Pope Francis rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.”

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