Bishops Affirm Inter-Church Friendship Following Papal Death

Bishop in Europe to join Anglican delegation at funeral

The Church of England Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, the Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell, and his Suffragan Bishop the Rt Revd David Hamid, both of whom will be in the Anglican delegation attending the Pope’s funeral on Friday, have expressed their gratitude to the Holy Father’s kindness and warmth towards the Anglican Communion.

In a letter expressing their condolences to the Dean and College of Cardinals of the Diocese of Rome, Bishop Geoffrey recalls how “On many occasions the Holy Father has graciously welcomed me and my predecessors and other representatives of my Diocese in Rome.

“Such gestures of friendship have affirmed most positively the 'special place' which the Anglican Communion holds in the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. We are grateful that even when, at times, our official bilateral relations have been strained the late Holy Father was unwavering in his kindness and warmth towards the members of our Communion.”

The bishops also say they “treasure his vision of human dignity, his appeal for solidarity between races and religions, and his undying call for the human family to live in peace.” And they add that “All Christians have lost a great pastor and teacher, who was throughout his life concerned with the proclamation of the Christian Gospel.”