When we got our connection at Houston, I saw CNN with the headline that the Pope was close to death - something that apparently was reported as fact in the papers on Saturday! He passed away 2137 GMT on Easter Saturday...

I’ve felt this quite badly - yes he was an arch conservative who disapproved of contraception, women priests, downtrod liberation theology and abortion but he was a good man who did a great deal for the Church and international relations, who brought the faith and goodwill to millions, including the man who shot him.

Shame the next head of the Church of England is not as diplomatic - the wedding is going ahead on Friday, even if it’s the same day as the funeral...

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Update - Apparently Big Ears has been browbeaten to changing the date of his wedding... It’s the same day as the Grand National (whoo on the horse jokes!) and has put Corrie into disarray with their planned wedding feature.