Members of the public and church leaders have expressed “sadness” after the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning.

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said the pope had been “showing immense courage and serenity in the face of frailty and suffering”.

Catholics in west Belfast have expressed their shock at hearing the news on Easter Monday.

Sister Ursula Canavan said: “I just heard when I went into mass. The priest announced that the Pope had died. Lord rest him. He’s in a better place.”

Archbishop Martin said: “He has been giving such powerful witness to the dignity of human life and to resilience in the face of suffering which has meant so much, especially to those who are struggling with illness, disability or any other difficulty at this time.”

At an Easter Mass held at Clonard Monastery only 30 minutes after the news was announced, many arrived not knowing of the Pope’s death.

Father Brendan Keane said: “Even though I knew the Pope was very, very sick…I didn’t expect it.

“I will remember him as a great human being, a humble man, a generous man, a sincere man, a good communicator. He was not just admired, but loved.”

Many mass-goers spoke about seeing the Pope on TV only 24 hours previously on Easter Sunday.

Frances McEvoy said: “I only heard the news when I came into church this morning. Someone said the Pope had died. I didn’t believe it having seen him yesterday (on TV).

“Then it was announced during the mass. I’m totally heartbroken but it’s a blessing for the Pope. He obviously was suffering and was very weak yesterday.

“There will never be the likes of him again, such a wonderful, merciful, very understanding pope and we pray for him. He died at a lovely time of the year.”

Mass-goers said the fact that Pope Francis came to Ireland, in August 2018, meant he had a special place in the heart of Irish people.

“We’ll never forget Pope Francis. He felt like one of our own,” said one man.

Father Brendan Kelly said: “I read the news on the BBC website. It wasn’t a great surprise really after the last number of weeks.

“Throughout life he’s had difficulties with health but it is sad.

“It’s the end of a particular era in the church’s history – and a very significant era.”

The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland said even though the Pope’s death was “expected” he is still “shocked”.

Archbishop John McDowell also said “I very much feel for my Catholic neighbours in Ireland who have lost a great, authentic leader.

“Someone who spoke with compassion to them, but not only to them, to the whole world,” he added.

“There are so few people who can do that these days, who can speak beyond their own boundaries. So we all feel a bit diminished. I think by his passing.”

People celebrating Easter Monday mass at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry also spoke of their shock.

Terry Casey said: “It’s a sad day for Catholics around the world today.

“He was a great Pope and he made a lot of important changes that not everyone would have agreed with. A sad day for everybody.”

Joan Casey said: “I think it’s very sad. He was a great Pope. And he was only out yesterday giving the blessing. “