'The Pope's death triggered a moment of mourning'

The Reverend Alexander Ibe said Pope Francis had been a leading light in his life

Churchgoers and religious figures in Bedford have paid tributes to Pope Francis following his death on Easter Monday.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State died at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure.

The Argentine pontiff, whose funeral will take place on Saturday in front of St Peter's Basilica, had appeared at Easter Sunday mass in St Peter's Square the day before.

The Reverend Alexander Ibe, parish priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Philip & St. James Church, in Bedford, said a "moment of mourning" had been triggered.

"Pope Francis was a huge encouragement to me and other priests; he was the head of the church and helped direct our focus to Christ," he said.

"There will be a bit of sadness written on people's faces after losing our dear Pope, and we continue to pray that the good lord will rest his soul in perfect peace."

The Holy Cross Catholic Church, in Bedford, is paying tribute to the late Pope Francis

Church volunteer Kathy Goodwin said the news of the Pope's death had left her in tears

During the period of mourning for Pope Francis, the Diocese of Northampton has instructed all churches and parishes in Bedford to light candles in his memory.

One parishioner who will not forget the impact he had "around the world" was Holy Cross Church volunteer Kathy Goodwin, who "burst into tears" upon hearing of his death.

"He was so loved and respected, and he fought for people who can often be forgotten or marginalised," she told the BBC.

"He touched the hearts of a lot of people, including people with no religion, so it is such a shame.

"My own mother died on Easter Monday, so I felt some connection with the Pope's passing."

Churches and parishes across Bedford have been asked to light candles in honour of Pope Francis

Church secretary Maria Quinlan said Pope Francis's reign as the head of the Roman Catholic Church would never be forgotten

Addressing the significance of the Pope's death happening during a religious holiday, Maria Quinlan, parish secretary at St Philip & James Catholic Church, said it was as if "God had called him at the right time".

"The Pope has done so much for us and I just feel really sad that he had passed away," she said.

"He has tried to modernise the church and he has left an impact and a legacy."