Tributes have been paid to Monsignor Canon Nicholas France, Jersey's former Catholic Dean, who has died aged 81.

Monsignor France was head of St Thomas' Church for nearly two decades until his retirement in 2018.

A priest for more than 50 years, he was made an MBE for services to Jersey's ethnic communities in 2014.

His successor, Canon Dominic Golding, said: 'Many of us will long treasure the ministry of Mgr Nicholas. His pastoral work in Jersey touched many people's lives. He lived under the guidance of the gospel.

"Let us pray now for his soul to rest in peace.'

Just months before his retirement and for the 50th anniversary of his ordination, Monsignor France travelled to Rome to meet Pope Francis, who thanked him for his years of service and dedication to the church.

Caritas Jersey tweeted a drawing of Monsignor Nicholas France and said the charity's founder uncovered the great disparity between Jersey's 'have's' and 'have nots' and may he 'Rest in Peace'.

The founder of Caritas Jersey, Monsignor Nicholas France died yesterday. Fr Nick uncovered the great disparity between Jersey's have's and have nots as per this 2000 @JEPnews cartoon & we continue to strive to address these many issues as he always did. May he Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/wPu8h8xWMZ

— Caritas Jersey CEO (@CaritasJsyCeo) December 4, 2024

Matthew Burke, Headteacher of Beaulieu Convent School said:

"We are incredibly fortunate to have such strong and meaningful links with our parish here on the island, which have helped enrich the experience of our students in countless ways. Monsignor France’s dedication to the spiritual and educational growth of our school and its students was always evident, and his legacy will continue to inspire us."

Tributes have also come from Deputy Carina Alves, who has thanked him for advocating for the island's Portuguese community.

😢 Deeply saddened to learn of Monsignor Canon Nicholas France passing this morning. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2G8xRTzKYx

— Deputy Carina Alves - Reform Jersey (@DeputyAlves) December 3, 2024

Deputy Sam Mezec also paid his respects:

"He was a passionate supporter of social justice and played a crucial role in helping to set up the Living Wage campaign. He was also a staunch supporter of Jersey’s minority communities and made a point of celebrating them. He helped Jersey’s Muslim community with a place to worship whilst they worked to find a venue to establish the mosque."