Bishop Robert, Bishop in Europe, is part of the Anglican delegation which has been invited to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome this weekend. 

Bishop Robert said: 'I am honoured to be invited to the funeral of Pope Francis as part of the official Anglican delegation. As Anglicans, we are profoundly grateful for his commitment to ecumenism and for the close working and fraternal relationships he fostered. It is a privilege to join with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters at this time of mourning a great pope and an exemplary servant of Jesus Christ.'

A delegation from the Anglican Communion will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome on Saturday April 26 and pay their respects to the former Pope, representing the prayers and condolences of Anglicans around the world. They will join with other Anglican leaders and pilgrims, and many other representatives from Christian World Communions, travelling to Rome in mourning for the Holy Father.
The Anglican delegation consists of senior clergy and lay leaders of the Anglican Communion and those who lead the fruitful ecumenical work between Anglicans and Roman Catholics at the international level. The co-chairs of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) will both be present.
The delegation will be led by the Most Revd Marinez Bassotto, the Archbishop of the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil. She serves on the Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion as the regional Primate for the Americas. The five-person Primates’ Standing Committee helps to support the Anglican Communion pastorally and to represent the Communion ecumenically.
Anglicans who minister locally in Italy will also be present, including the pastors of the two Anglican parishes in Rome.

Speaking about the funeral, the Rt Revd Anthony Ball, Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, said:
“Anglicans give thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis. He was an example to Christians worldwide, unwavering in his dedication to the plight of the poor, the vulnerable and refugees. We are grateful for his work in building relations between Anglicans and Roman Catholics, as part of his deep commitment to working for the unity of God’s Church. On behalf of Anglicans around the world, we offer condolences to our sisters and brothers in the Catholic Church.”

The Most Revd Marinez Bassotto, Primate of the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil, said:
“It is an honour to give thanks for the amazing life and ministry of Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American Pope. He was a humble servant who embodied a message of peace and love. His example calls Christians to walk together in unity and to serve the poor and marginalised. At his funeral, we bring with us the prayers and tributes of Anglicans across the globe."
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York said:
“Pope Francis was a great Pope — but above all, he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. ‘Blessed are the meek,’ said our Lord, ‘for they shall inherit the earth.’ In many ways, Pope Francis lived this truth. His humility and compassion touched hearts around the world. His example calls us all to care more deeply for the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable. The world mourns his passing and gives thanks for his life. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The Anglican delegation will include:
•    The Most Revd Marinez Bassotto (Primate of the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil, Regional Primate for the Americas).
•    The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell (Archbishop of York and Primate of England).
•    The Most Revd Philip Freier (Co-Chair of ARCIC and former Archbishop of Melbourne).
•    The Rt Revd Robert Innes (Co-Chair of IARCCUM and Bishop in Europe).
•    Canon Maggie Swinson (Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council).
•    The Most Revd Hosam Naoum (Vice-Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council and Primate of the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East).
•    The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo (Secretary General of the Anglican Communion).
•    Canon Dr Christopher Wells (Director of Unity, Faith and Order, Anglican Communion Office).
•    The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally (Bishop of London and Dean of the Province of Canterbury).
•    The Rt Revd Anthony Ball (Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See).