Father Michael of Holy Trinity Catholic Church Newark pays tribute to Pope Francis following his death

Catholics in Newark have paid their own respects to Pope Francis, describing him as a leader who “broke the mould.”

After learning of Francis’ death on Monday morning, Father Michael O'Donoghue of Newark’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church, on Boundary Road, led prayer in a special mass of remembrance.

The Pope will continue to be remembered during further masses which will be held all this week ahead of his funeral.

Paying tribute, Father Michael said: "Pope Francis is a huge loss to the church worldwide.

“He broke the mould. Interesting that his first public visit outside of Rome was to the Island of Lampedusa where migrants gather en route to Europe.

“He was a Pope for all people irrespective of status and never failed to challenge injustice in the civil or religious arena.

“He had his critics in the Vatican and on a number of occasions publicly chastised members of the Curia.

“His forthright attempts to initiate renewal caused unease to his detractors but his visits worldwide were warmly welcomed in countries that were not particularly Christian.

“It is particularly poignant that he should appear on Easter Sunday to give the Easter Blessing to the crowds in St Peters Square and die during the Easter Octave. "

Cardinals from around the world are now gathering in Rome during a week of mourning ahead of the Pope’s funeral — they will then enter into Conclave to decide who will be selected as the next Pope.

Father Michael added: “Most people are hoping that Pope Francis's successor will continue the lead in the same way.”