Clacton Town Hall flag flies at half mast for Pope Francis

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 following a stroke at 7.35am on Monday.

Tendring Council is now paying respect to the first Latin American pontiff by flying the town hall's flag at half mast. 

Respect - the flag is flying at half-mast (Image: Tendring Council) A council spokesman said: "The flag at Clacton Town Hall is being flown at half mast today to honour the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.

"We offer our condolences to everyone in our community and around the globe who are mourning his loss."

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement on Monday: “At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″

The Pope emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless the thousands of people in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

He had recently resumed some official duties during his recovery from pneumonia.