Prime Minister salutes Pope Francis as 'extraordinary man'
Sir Keir Starmer praised the 'courage and leadership' of the late Pope
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis in a packed House of Commons today. The Labour leader described him as an “extraordinary man” and a source of inspiration.
Sir Keir will attend the late Pope’s funeral in Rome on Saturday.
He kicked off Prime Minister’s Questions by applauding his leadership, saying: “Mr Speaker, the entire House will join me in paying tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis, an extraordinary man.
“His lifelong work on fairness will leave a lasting legacy and people of all backgrounds and beliefs were inspired by his humility and his compassion. And I think the outpouring of grief and love which we’ve seen in the last two days or so shows the respect and admiration he was held in around the world.
“Mr Speaker, I will attend his funeral on Saturday and pay tribute to his courage and his leadership. May His Holiness rest in peace.
Don't miss: Rod Stewart’s poignant tribute as fans rush to support him - ‘Man of the people'
Don't miss: Pope Francis's body laid out for public view as mourners flock to Vatican
Don't miss: BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent halts show to share breaking news
Don't miss: Next Pope LIVE: 'Favourite' to succeed Francis emerges as his body lies in state
“Mr Speaker, I will attend his funeral on Saturday and pay tribute to his courage and his leadership. May His Holiness rest in peace.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also paid tribute.
She said: “Being married to a Catholic I know the profound loss for millions in Britain and across the world.”
