Brexit 2016 reactions: Pope Francis, religious leaders respond to Britain's referendum to leave E.U.
Pope Francis and religious leaders responded after results of the European Union referendum announced a Brexit on Friday, June 24.
The Vatican pope shared what he expected from the result of the EU Referendum after 51.9 percent of those who voted chose an unprecedented path to leave the EU.
"This requires a great responsibility on the part of all of us to guarantee the good of the people of the United Kingdom as well as the peaceful coexistence of the entire European continent. This is what I expect," Francis told reporters while on-board the papal plane on his way to Armenia, as reported by Catholic Herald.
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales also released a statement, signed by general secretary of the bishops' conference Fr. Christopher Thomas, noting that the decision of more than 33 million people "must be respected whatever our personal views and we should seek to regain the mutual respect and civility, so important in our national conversation." They also included Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini's "Prayer for Europe."
The head of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and another Anglican senior leader, Archbishop of York John Sentamu, chose to talk about "unity, hope, and generosity" as they gave their conciliatory joint statement despite previously declaring to vote for the country to remain as EU member.
"We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers," they said.
On the other hand, some religious leaders remained adamant in their public denunciation of a Brexit scenario.
"A message to our continental European friends: please note that 48.1% of us think this is a very bad idea," tweeted Bishop of Guildford Andrew Watson.
Baptist minister and Oasis founder Steve Chalk also took to Twitter to share his thoughts, quoting YouGov's percentages who voted for Remain based on age bracket to show that the youngest registered voters (18-24) chose to believe in unity the most.
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation following the Brexit results. Cameron delivered on the promised referendum amid pressure lodged by Eurosceptic members of his conservative party last year.