The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have said the British decision to leave the European Union "must be respected" and that, after an "often rancorous campaign", all should work towards regaining a "mutual respect and civility" that is "so important in our national conversation".
Meanwhile Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the bishops' conference, said Brexit would be "demanding on all" and that the British people should now "work hard to show ourselves to be good neighbours".
The bishops' statement, signed by Fr Christopher Thomas, general secretary of the bishops' conference, noted that over 33 million people had voted and a majority "have agreed that the future of the United Kingdom is best served outside the EU".
