Tributes to the Pope who 'helped the poor'

Tributes to the late leader of the Roman Catholic Church have poured in from across the south-east of England.

Pope Francis died, aged 88, just after 07:30 local time, according to a statement published by the Vatican.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, which comprises churches in Surrey and Sussex, called the Pope an "unwavering advocate of the poor and marginalised".

It said he travelled widely to deliver "aid and spiritual support to people and communities in need... despite his advancing years and the frailties of age".

"Operating within an increasingly violent and polarised global landscape, Pope Francis worked tirelessly and vocally in the pursuit of peace, governments and world leaders to bring an end to conflict and violence, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan," the diocese continued.

It also praised his calls on people of "all ages and backgrounds to redouble local, national, and international efforts to protect the planet".

"As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we can also be deeply grateful for his life of service," said Bishop Richard Moth.

"He called us all to simplicity of life, a renewed openness to the gift of mercy, a deeper understanding of the dignity of the human person and a respect and care for creation."

Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, the so-called "Mother Church" of the Church of England, said Pope Francis did much to promote unity and understanding between faiths.

Writing on Facebook, it said it was "deeply saddened" by his death.

"We join our thoughts and prayers with the millions of other Christians around the world mourning his loss," the cathedral continued.

"May he rest in peace."

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the Pope had been a friend and that he would "miss him deeply".

He said the Pope was someone who "spoke not just to the Catholic Church, but far beyond it", and that his leadership had been "felt powerfully among us in the Anglican Communion".

Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin added Pope Francis was "counter-cultural, travelling on public transport and in a small ordinary car after his appointment; clearly uncomfortable to embrace the trappings of Vatican life".

"He was not afraid to meet with people from all kinds of backgrounds even if such meetings brought about controversy," she continued.

"Pope Francis brought hope, not just to millions of Catholics but to so many around the world."

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