Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster has said he is praying for the repose of the soul of Baroness Thatcher and for the "intentions of all those who now mourn her". In a statement issued on behalf of the bishops' conference of England and Wales, the archbishop said: "It was with sadness that we heard the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher, who served this country for many years both as a Member of Parliament and as Prime Minister. We pray for the repose of her soul and for the intentions of her family and all those who now mourn for her.” Pope Francis expressed his condolences in a message sent on his behalf by Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. It said: "His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher. He recalls with appreciation the Christian values which underpinned her commitment to public service and to the promotion of freedom among the family of nations. Entrusting her soul to the mercy of God, and assuring her family and the British people of a remembrance in his prayers, the Holy Father invokes upon all whose lives she touched God’s abundant blessings." Margaret Thatcher died after a stroke this morning at the age of 87.