Religious leaders across the Channel Islands have paid tribute to Pope Francis who has died after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed the Pope, 88, died at 07:35 local time (06:35 BST) on Monday,

On behalf of the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC), I extend heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. His death marks not only a profound loss for the Catholic Church but also one for the global community, which has benefited immensely from his leadership and vision.

A Jewish couple from Long Island, Gary and Meredith Krupp, have become some of the Catholic Church’s closest allies—knighted by three popes and recognized for their decades of work promoting interfaith unity.

As tens of thousands of Catholics wait in hourslong lines to pay their respects to Pope Francis, many are debating the direction of the church.