Following the death of Pope Francis, aged 88, on Easter Monday morning, Bishop Martyn and Bishop Saju paid tribute to his Holiness.
The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, said: “I feel great sadness to hear of the death of Pope Francis and offer my heartfelt prayers to the Roman Catholic Church and all those who will be involved in the process of choosing his successor.
“I also extend my prayers to Roman Catholics in Leicester and Leicestershire, in their mourning, of whom we value our relationships with deeply.”
He added: “A life of devotion to Jesus Christ. Whatever our calling in life, we too can know the joy and peace that Francis displayed in such abundance.”
The Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, said: “Pope Francis's death deeply saddens me. His humility, profound wisdom, and visible love for the Lord Jesus Christ shone through in every word, gesture, posture and action.
"The world will miss a Pope who carried the weight of humanity in his heart.”