Jacob Rees-Mogg reflects on the life and legacy of Pope Francis: ‘The perfect culmination of a Christian life’

"Catholics pray throughout their life they should have a provided death and the Holy Father has had a provided death", Jacob said.

The pontiff died shortly after Easter Sunday, having been hospitalised in February with bronchitis which later worsened.

Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

"From his point of view, this is what he would have most wanted. He has died in the octave of Easter with the hope of the resurrection at the forefront of his mind", Jacob continued.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Tributes pour in around the world for 'man of humility' as Keir Starmer hails 'Pope for the poor'
• Obituary: Pope Francis - Modernising leader who shook up the Catholic Church
• The highly respected Cardinals who could replace Francis and make history with their inauguration

"This is the perfect culmination of a Christian life. If you look at the endurance he showed, he died immediately after Easter Sunday with the hope of the resurrection."

The ex-MP emphasised that for Catholics, particularly the Pope, death is not merely an end.

"If you are the Pope, you are interested in the next life rather than this one - eternity is the most important thing. It is not so much a day of mourning as an enormous hope and confidence in the teaching of the Catholic Church and the hope Christ gives us."

When asked how Pope Francis will be best remembered, Jacob highlighted the pontiff's commitment to traditional Catholic doctrine.

"I think he has always stuck rigorously to traditional Catholic teaching," he said.

"He focuses on every soul being loved by God and being redeemable - every single one of us. That's a remarkable gift of God that we are made in God's image."

Jacob noted that despite expectations from progressives, Francis maintained Church orthodoxy.

"He never deviated from the teaching of the church. Liberals thought he would do more and allow women priests, he made it clear that would never happen."

"He never deviated from the fundamental teaching of the Church."

Born in Buenos Aires in 1936, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was known for his modesty and commitment to service before becoming Pope in 2013.

He chose the name Francis - the first pontiff to do so - in honour of St Francis of Assisi, symbolising poverty and humility.

Throughout his papacy, Francis challenged traditions while maintaining core doctrine. He appointed women to Vatican roles and spoke compassionately about homosexuality.

The Pope regularly referred to Ukraine as "martyred" following Russia's 2022 invasion.

His concern for the environment was a hallmark of his leadership, stressing the compatibility of faith and science.