Tony Flannery: Francis was a counter voice to all those who venerate power
Pope Francis (right) receives US vice president JD Vance, left, before bestowing the Urbi et Orbi blessing at the end of the Easter mass on Sunday. Francis was always open to meeting world leaders of all shades of opinion, because he believed that progress was made not by excluding people but by meeting and talking to them. Picture: Vatican Media via AP, HO
Though not a great surprise, due to his recent serious illness, the announcement of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday morning is a matter of great sadness to many people.
I am deeply saddened by his death. He was a remarkable man who made an enormous contribution not only to the Catholic Church, but to the whole world.
