SW News: Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, has expressed his condolences and offered prayers for the repose of the souls of those who have died in the pandemic, as the UK recorded 100,000 COVID-19 deaths on January 26. "A day of great sadness all over the land. So many people, families, communities, remembering those who have died in these terrible months of the pandemic," said Cardinal Nichols. "Each one is mourned. Each one is to be prayed for," he added.

With a new wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the infections and death rate in the UK have escalated tremendously. Currently, England is in its third national lockdown. Consoling the people grieving the death of their loved ones, Cardinal Vincent Nichols strengthened them by sharing the hope of resurrection in Christ.

"This is our instinct, our faith, our practice. Our prayer is rooted in the faith that, in death, life is changed, not ended, for the promise of eternal life opens the door of hope even in our darkest moments," said the archbishop of Westminster.

He concluded his message by offering prayers and inviting the faithful to do the same. "I pray for each and every one, those who have died, those who mourn, those who serve. Please, please, join me in prayer," urged Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

With 103,126 deaths and 3,743,734 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on January 28, the United Kingdom is the fifth country with the highest number of infections.