“And so, a bit like Good Friday, darkness is having its day. But the light is there and like the rising Son, it will become brighter and brighter until there is only the Light of Resurrection," – Fr Kevin Doherty.

“If religious attendance facilitates older people to maintain a larger social circle with continued social engagement, alternative ways to socialise will be necessary as we develop into a more secular society.”

Pope warns of followers of Jesus who are able to speak about him but live far from his heart, which is reaching out to those who are wounded.

Cardinal Turkson warns, “We clearly need a fundamental change of course, to protect the earth and its people – which, in turn, will allow us to ‘dignify humanity’."

‘The Simplest Prayer’ includes practical advice on meditation and simple reflections for times of anxiety, weak faith, troubled conscience and letting go.