‘Pope stood for everything we thought Catholic church wouldn’t’

A couple from Liverpool have told how Pope Francis was the most “progressive” Pope they have seen as they paid tribute to him following his death.

James Przystanski, 33, and Joseph Nze, 33, are both Catholic and are due to be married next year.

Joseph, who is from an Nigerian-Irish Catholic background, said: “Pope Francis stood for everything that we thought the Catholic church would never go towards.”

The Pope’s death on Easter Monday came only a day after he appeared in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square to greet thousands of worshippers.

The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church was discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

The governing of the church will now be handled by the College of Cardinals, its most senior officials, until the new Pope is chosen.

James and Joseph visited Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, which opened its doors to allow people to pay their respects and sign a book of condolence.

“He was one of the best popes I’ve seen growing up,” Joseph said.

“He made the church more worldly and open to other people, faiths and the LGBTQ community.”

Pope Francis once commented “who am I to judge?” when asked about his views on gay people.

And he roundly condemned countries that consider homosexuality a crime.

However, some critics have suggested the Pontiff could have gone further to encourage change in the Church’s teachings.

James and Joseph visited the Vatican last year and have a strong faith, regularly attending church.

James said: “We admired his work on climate change. There was no judgement from him, just acceptance.

“It doesn’t matter – skin colour, sexual orientation. That’s what I thought about him.”

“The fact he was making these changes in this world is what we need more so today more than ever.

“There’s a lot of walls being built and he was breaking them down. Not segregation and integration – that’s what he stood for.”

Others to sign the book of condolence included Arthur Siddall, a retired Anglican archdeacon from Garston in Liverpool.

Remembering Pope Francis, he said: “I think he has brought a tremendous breath of fresh air and a wider vision.

“There are people out there really in need and you’ve got to get stuck in and do your stuff… that’s how I see it and that’s the breath of fresh air he’s brought.”

Meanwhile Andrew Billington from Wigan said: “I came just to say thanks to the People’s pope – for all the time and dedication he’s given to the common person.”

And Maureen Brennan, from Formby, said: “I think Pope Francis has been a truly magnificent and humble man.

“He’s just been a wonderful leader and shown us a lot of humility.”