The Bishop of Christchurch is being remembered for his wisdom and empathy.

Bishop Barry Jones has died at the age of 74, after 50 years in the priesthood including nearly 10 years as a bishop.

He became a bishop in 2006, and took over the Christchurch diocese the following year.

Cardinal John Dew said he had a lot of empathy for what people suffered in the Christchurch earthquakes.

Cardinal Dew said he held deep concerns over what people in the city went through in the earthquakes.

"He realised the trauma for people, for the priests who had to deal with a whole lot of those deaths at the time."

He said Bishop Barry Jones was more concerned about that than the reconstruction of church buildings.

He also said Bishop Barry also had a dry sense of humour and a great love of sport.

"He was certainly a keen cyclist and tramper I believe but in latter years you know very interested in following whatever was happening, particularly I think in rugby and cricket."

John Dew said Bishop Barry was a man of great and unwavering faith and was a humble and stoic man, especially in the face of his recent illness.