Who is Father Andrew from The Prince and the Pauper and what is their importance?

Father Andrew is the priest who lives at Offal Court, where Tom's family also occupies one floor. The Father teaches Tom to read and write, and also teaches him some Latin. When Tom and Edward's identities become confused, Father Andrew tries to prevent John Canty's abuse of Edward. As a result, John hits the priest on the head with a cudgel. It is the murder of Father Andrew that sends John into hiding.