Archbishop, regional leaders pay tribute to pope

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC):

The Archbishop of Port-of-Spain, Charles Jason Gordon, said that with the death of Pope Francis on Monday “we have lost a true shepherd” and a “man of incomparable depth and unwavering commitment to Christ”.

Pope Francis, 88, Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Catholic Church, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

“He was a faithful disciple who kept the joy of the Gospel alive in the hearts of the faithful, even as he called us to a deeper love: within the family, for our common home, for the poor and marginalised, and for one another across every boundary and division,” Archbishop Gordon said in a statement.

He said in one of the most challenging and complex periods of human history, Pope Francis showed us “how to walk together toward Christ.

“He made synodality – walking together in communion, participation, and mission – constitutive of the Church’s very identity. Through his life, his ministry, and his courageous witness, he called the Church to become ever more a field hospital of mercy and a sacrament, a sign of hope in the world.”

The Archbishop said the faithful will “give thanks to God for the gift of his papacy, for his example of humility and strength, and for his unwavering devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” he said, adding “as an Archdiocese, we will celebrate his life in a memorial liturgy, to be announced shortly”.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stuart Young has described Pope Francis as “a great and humble leader”, who focused on uplifting the poor and vulnerable and in the modern world was known for his desire for peace and the promotion of international diplomacy.

“He approached modern topics with an open mind and was not afraid to suggest a need for change. He was a known advocate for action on climate change and showed genuine concern with regard to the treatment of migrants and often called for more protection for migrants and others who found themselves in vulnerable circumstances.”

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said Pope Francis “has influenced and touched the lives of millions in every corner of the world” and that the first pontiff from Latin America had dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and vulnerable.

“As head of the Catholic church, Pope Francis was a champion and advocate for change and used his papacy to highlight issues of fairness, equity, climate change and more. His quiet humility endeared millions to his style and to a deeper belief in God,” Holness said.

He said the fact that Pope Francis’ death came at the end of the holiest period in the Christian calendar, with him making an appearance on Resurrection Sunday reflects his dedication to duty and to the people.

“On this deeply sad day I send condolences to the Catholic community, Christians, and all who mourn the death of Pope Francis,” Holness added.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, in joining the multitudes across the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, said his death will be deeply felt across all continents.

“Apart from his religious legacy, he will long be remembered for the simplicity of his lifestyle, his enlightened stance on global concerns such as climate change, inequality and migration, and his role in fostering improved inter-faith dialogue and relations. “

Ali said that the late Pontiff highlighted the plight of migrants and refugees, reminding the world that they are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity

“Pope Francis was a shepherd of compassion and conscience. His pontificate has had far-reaching impacts, and assures him of a revered place in the history of the papacy and the course of human history. May he rest in eternal splendour!”