‘He instilled a sense of hope’ – Salford’s Catholic community react to Pope Francis’ death

A Salford headteacher has described Pope Francis as a man who gave a sense of hope to young people, following his death on Monday morning.

Nicola Potts, headteacher at Christ the King RC primary school in Worsley expressed her condolences on hearing of the death of the Pontiff. She said: “A lot of his message was about caring for the people and for the Earth.”

She continued: “Especially coming out of Easter time, the message is more important than ever, that we pray more to become the best versions of ourselves.” 

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, aged 88, had died from a stroke, and subsequent irreversible heart failure. This came one day after his appearance on Easter Sunday on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.  

Pupils at Christ the King RC have successfully raised up to £1000 during the lent period in conjunction with CAFOD. ‘We have a special mass on Friday for the whole story, and Father John is also expected to join.’ the headteacher told me.  

“The Pope must live on through the children,” she added. “If they’re being the best versions of themselves, then that is the best prayer that they can offer up to the Pope in heaven.’ 

In December 2019, Brian Bennion of the Salford Diocese was personally blessed by the Pontiff. The Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice was awarded to those who provided exceptional services to CAFOD and the developing world. It was awarded to Mr. Bennion by The Bishop of Salford, after he raised £45,000 to support the developing world.

CAFOD, the catholic international development charity, have prepared resources for Catholic schools to support students and their learning in relation to the Pope’s death.  

The organisation will remember Pope Francis as “one that brought the Church closer to its mission of love, mercy and justice.  

“His teachings will continue to inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike,’ said the statement. 

The Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, has also paid his respects to the late Pope: “I can only imagine how many people are shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden death of Pope Francis.” 

He continued: “Let us pray that he will rest in peace and be rewarded for all that he has achieved for the Church, for us all, in his Papal ministry.”