“May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.” (Words from the Spiritual Testament of Pope Francis, 29th June 2022)
A Chancery Notice dated 22 April 2025 to announce the death of Pope Francis on 21 April, encouraged all Parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuching to set up a memorial area with a display of a portrait of the late Holy Father, as a sign of mourning and a tribute to his enduring legacy. Parish Masses celebrated during the Easter Octave were to include an intention for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father.
Below are excerpts of some Condolence Messages that poured in to Kuching Archdiocese after the announcement :
“The Catholic Church throughout Malaysia is deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. Ever since his hospitalisation, we have been lifting him up in prayers.
Personally, I am feeling sad that he left us so suddenly. It was Pope Francis who inspired bishops and priests to become “a shepherd smelling of his sheep”; to be close to the people we are serving.
I was appointed by him to be a Bishop in 2015 and later as the Archbishop of Kuching. On both occasions, I have been blessed to have met him personally in Rome and especially for a whole month at the Synod on Youth in October 2018.”
Archbishop Dato Simon Poh
Archdiocese of Kuching
President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia
“The Christian Federation of Malaysia extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia and worldwide at the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The passing away of His Holiness is a huge loss both to the Roman Catholic Church and to the world.
During his lifetime, His Holiness has exemplified deep humility and simplicity, compassion and a deep concern for the poor and the marginalized, and a commitment towards increased interreligious dialogue and peace in the world.
May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, comfort His faithful during this time of loss and grief. May the soul of our beloved Pope Francis rest in eternal peace.”
Cor Episcopa Philip Thomas
Chairman and the Executive Committee of The Christian Federation of Malaysia
“As you mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, we write to let you know that the whole Christian family in Christ also shares in your sadness, sorrow and sense of loss. We remember Pope Francis as a leader who embodied our Lord’s compassion, marked by service to the poor, tireless work for peace and justice, bold and unrelenting advocacy for addressing climate change and the injustices it spawns along with economic inequality which it brings. His was a prophetic voice of peace and of mercy as he voiced unyielding support for migrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking as well as his bold opposition to wars by calling all forms of war “a crime against humanity.” His robust collaboration and contribution in the field of dialogue especially between Muslims and Christians is especially notable.
The Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute
Chairman, Association of Churches Sarawak
Bishop of Kuching (Sarawak & Brunei Darussalam)
Parish Requiem Mass in Kuching, Sibu and Miri
