'Pope Francis' death like losing a family member'

Ben Muggridge and Celia Carson are members of the St Milburga's congregation in Church Stretton

Catholics in Shropshire say the late Pope Francis will be remembered as "warm, caring and truly loving".

The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died aged 88 on Easter Monday and his funeral will be held on Saturday.

"I had an immediate mixture of sadness and joy [to his death]," said Ben Muggridge, a parishioner of St Milburga's in Church Stretton.

"Sadness because we lost him and loved him and joy because he's with God.

"What better time to go than Easter?"

Mr Muggridge said Pope Francis' legacy was marked with passion, humanity and love.

"He said really clearly that it's part of our faith to look after our world. It's part of being Christian and it's part of being Catholic," he added.

"There's a sense of bereavement in Shropshire that brings you together as Catholics."

But, when asked what he would like from the next Pope, he said: "I'll leave that up to the Holy Spirit."

"All for the praise and glory of God – that is really how he lived his life," said Celia Carson, another parishioner.

Looking ahead to his successor, she added: "Each Pope is designed for that period – he's been born for that period – and it's his duty to look after tomorrow".

Ms Carson, 75, said she once met Pope Francis in St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

"I worked my way through the crowds and stood next to some teenagers," she said, adding: "I thought 'if they don't get the Pope's attention an old woman like me certainly won't!'"

She said the late Pope spoke to the youngsters and even recommended a nearby restaurant.

Father Jonathan Mitchell said the death of the Pope was almost like losing a member of the family

Father Jonathan Mitchell, parish priest for St Milburga's and St Walburga's, said it was a strange experience for his parishioners.

"We find here in Shropshire that many church members are sending condolences and wanting to participate in whatever prayers we have for the Holy Father," he said.

"It's almost akin to losing a family member."

As the Pope died on Easter Monday, he explained the church's prayers for the following week, the Easter Octave, were already set in stone and could not be changed drastically.

"I think that's what he wanted - he was a no frills, no personal fuss type of Pope," Father Jonathan said.

"People of all faiths recognise his common humanity – his work on ecology and his speaking up to power, even when it wasn't popular.

"He wasn't afraid to point to the good in humanity and say 'this is what we must do'."