'Champion of unity and hope': Catholic Church in Singapore pays tribute to Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on Apr 21, Easter Monday, at the age of 88.
Pope Francis being greeted by Cardinal William Goh, the archbishop of Singapore, at Changi Airport on Sep 11, 2024. (Photo: AFP/Tiziana Fabi)
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SINGAPORE: Pope Francis was a "model of mercy and compassion", the Roman Catholic Church in Singapore said on Monday (Apr 21) as it paid tribute to the pontiff who died at the age of 88.
"He was a champion of unity and hope, not just for Catholics, but for the world, especially the weak, the marginalised and the poor," the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said in a statement on its website.
The archdiocese added that the pope spoke for displaced refugees and victims of war, and urged world leaders to seek peace through dialogue and justice.
"Pope Francis’ constant call for inclusivity gave the world a church that welcomed all, especially those who yearned for love, mercy, and hope.
"His actions inspired the faithful to be the face of Christ to others and reach out to those on the fringes of society," it added.
It also noted how the pope was an advocate for the environment, urging global action to combat climate change.
On Tuesday, Cardinal William Goh, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Singapore, will preside over a memorial mass for the pope at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd at 1.15pm.
Pope Francis visited Singapore in September 2024 as part of a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, the longest of his papacy.
During his visit to Singapore, he held a meeting with youths of different faiths and "emphasised dialogue and understanding between the religious communities".
He urged the young to be courageous and open to feedback so as to have sincere dialogue with one another.
The Singapore archdiocese said: "In his final days, the Holy Father continued his work of preaching joy and sharing Christ’s all-embracing love, attending the Holy Week liturgies and meeting the faithful whenever he went.
"His earthly life was full of fervour for Christ’s mission till the end, living out the words of his encyclical 'Dilexit Nos' (He loved us), exuding love and serving with joy. We thank the Lord for His gift of Pope Francis and his service on earth."
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis became the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013.
Recently, the Argentine pontiff spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital before seeming to recover, leaving the facility on Mar 23.
His death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.
He will become the first pope in more than 100 years to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.
Pope Francis had rejected the tradition of popes having three coffins, instead choosing to buried in just one, made of wood and zinc, to reflect his role as a humble pastor.
