Devon Catholics lighting candles for Pope

The Catholic Church in Plymouth said it would hold a service for Pope Francis

Churches in Plymouth will be open for people to gather, light a candle and pray for the late Pope, the Catholic Diocese has said.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis died at 07:35 local time on Monday after being recently discharged from hospital having had weeks of treatment for an infection.

Apostolic administrator Canon Paul Cummins, who leads the diocese, said Pope Francis had worked "tirelessly for peace" and it was a "sad time for us all".

He said Plymouth churches would be open "where possible" for people to remember the Pope ahead of a special Vespers Service at the Cathedral Church of St Boniface and St Mary.

Pope Francis' final public appearance was for an Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican's St Peter's Square.

"We knew that the pope had been ill for quite a long period of time but obviously when you get news of somebody's death it is always a bit of a blow," said Canon Cummins.

He added: "There is sadness in the loss of somebody so significant to the church and to the world, but also hope and a sense of completion and joy maybe in his, god wiling, rising to eternal life."'

Canon Cummins said Pope Francis had focussed on some "quite radical" topics which had not been part of papacies before.

"He declared a year of mercy a couple of years ago, reminding the Church that mercy is at the basis of all humanity," he said.

'Strong on environment'

"We are called to look out for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

"He was very strong on the environment, he talked often about how important it is that we look after the world that God has given us.

"The world is a gift from God and you don't trash a gift, you look after it, which was fundamental to his understanding of the environment."

He added: "Pope Francis lived out Gospel values; he was a man of prayer, a friend to the marginalised and persecuted, he worked tirelessly for peace, the care of the environment was very important to him."

"He was above all a humble servant of the Lord and a faithful pastor who inspired and shepherded the Catholic Church for 12 years."

He said churches in the Diocese of Plymouth would be places where people could "gather, light a candle if they wish and pray for the late pope".

The Diocese said further details would be released on the Vespers Service at the Cathedral Church of St Boniface and St Mary which would also be live streamed.