Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph treasures a fond memory of her one encounter with the late Pope Francis.

The actress met the late Pontiff when taking part in 2019 BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome.

Granted an audience with the Pontiff during filming, Lesley proudly recalled Francis telling her: ‘You don’t look 72.’

Later receiving a parting embrace and kiss on the cheek from the Pope at the end of his audience, Lesley added: ‘He burst out laughing and said, “You still don’t look 72”!’.

At which point I put my arm on his arm and said, “Oh, bless you!” Everybody fell about. “I can’t believe you’ve just blessed the Pope.”‘

Lesley Joseph treasures a fond memory of her one encounter with the late Pope Francis when taking part in 2019 BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome

Celebrities have publicly paid tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced his death on Easter Monday aged 88. 

The pontiff, who dedicated his ‘entire life’ to serving God and the Church, was remembered on social media by celebrities of all ages and religions. 

Among them was Whoopi Goldberg, 69, who recalled a past meeting Pope Francis. 

Alongside an image of the pair, the Sister Act star wrote: ‘He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer. 

‘He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.’ 

Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, also reflected on his time with the Pope.

The Spanish actor, 64, shared a picture from his meeting with the pontiff in 2016 and wrote: ‘Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people. @franciscus #RIP #DEP’. 

Eva Longoria – who met the pope in 2016 – also paid tribute, writing:’ Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. 

Sister Act star Whoopi Goldberg led celebrity tributes to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced he had died aged 88 on Easter Monday

Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, recalled a meeting with the pontiff 

Eva Longoria – who met the pope in 2016 – also paid tribute, writing:’ Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized’

‘Your compᴀssion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.’

Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff. 

The British reverend tweeted: ‘Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Jorge, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. 

‘Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. #PopeFrancis.’ 

Livia Firth penned: ‘No matter the religion, he was a giant of a man – for love, for justice, for peace. No matter his position and the constraints that came with it, he tried.

‘I loved his humanity and some of his work (the ‘Laudato Si’, on care for our common home’ is so beautiful)

‘Your voice will be missed in the world Jorge Mario Bergoglio.’ 

Donatella Versace (left) and Zoe Saldana shared the news on their Instagram Stories 

Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff

King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute following their private meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican City on April 9 this year (pictured) 

King Charles paid tribute to the Pope’s ‘compᴀssion’ and ‘devotion’ to the church

Sarah Ferguson wrote: ‘No better example of total humility in kindness and compᴀssion. Thank you for leading us not just with words, but with your unwavering service to humanity’

Boxer Frank Bruno paid his respects, writing: ‘Morning for those not heard His Holiness the Pope has pᴀssed away. 

‘I am not very religious but was married in a Catholic church. May he rest in peace #rip #morning #monday.’ 

King Charles also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the Pope’s pᴀssing.

He said Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be ‘remembered for his compᴀssion’ and had ‘profoundly touched the lives of so many’. 

Pope Francis’s death came just weeks after King Charles and Queen Camilla met His Eminence in Rome during a royal visit to Italy, with His Majesty saying the couple were ‘greatly moved to have been able to visit him’.

The Pontiff had spent the last couple of months battling health problems, including a bout of pneumonia which left him hospitalised.

He had recovered enough to hold a private audience with the pair on April 9, and he had been seen at public events over the Easter weekend, while also meeting US Vice President JD Vance in recent days.

However, it was announced early on Easter Monday that he had pᴀssed away, sending more than a billion Catholics worldwide into mourning.