The Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth has paid tribute to Pope John Paul II, who died over the weekend.

The Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson said: “I’d like to express my profound admiration and respect for Pope John Paul II. His achievements on the international stage have been astonishing.

“His influence in helping to dismantle Communism in Eastern Europe was huge – I’ve seen for myself the effect that he has had on countries such as Latvia and Estonia. Without him, one doubts whether perestroika would have happened so quickly.

“He was a man of firm moral convictions who inspired devotion in Catholics and Christians of other denominations around the globe.”

Churches around the Anglican diocese of Portsmouth gave thanks for the life of the Pope and prayed for fellow Christians in the Roman Catholic Church during worship services yesterday.

And the Portsmouth diocesan website – www.portsmouth.anglican.org – has been updated to include prayers of thanksgiving for the life of Pope John Paul II, prayers for the cardinals who will elect a new Pope, and prayers for whoever becomes the new Pope. They can be used by individuals or as part of future church services.