“He was a shepherd of compassion and conscience” – Pres Ali on passing of Pope Francis

…hails far-reaching legacy left by late pontiff

Describing the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, as a “Shepherd of compassion and conscience,” President Dr Irfaan Ali paid a heartfelt tribute to the man who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death.
Pope Francis died of stroke and heart failure, the Vatican doctors said on Monday.
In his tribute, President Ali noted that Pope Francis will be remembered for many things, including his advocacy for migrants and refugees, the need for equality and even his simple lifestyle.

“Pope Francis’s election to the papacy, twelve years ago, generated a wave of excitement, especially considering that he was first person from the Americas to become Pope. His papacy sparked important conversations about acceptance and belonging within the Church. The recent synod that he convened has laid the foundational stones for a new way of being Church.”
“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,” the Head of State added.
President Ali also acknowledged Pope Francis’s environmental advocacy, which has seen him bring attention to the urgency of reducing the use of fossil fuels. In a 2015 encyclical, which is a papal letter he sent to the bishops of the Catholic Church throughout the world, the Pope had urged more attention be placed on climate change issues, drawing a link between humanity, the faith and the responsibility humans carry for safeguarding the natural world.
The Pope had also made it clear that there “are no frontiers or barriers, political or social, behind which we can hide, still less is there room for the globalisation of indifference.” Added to his environmental advocacy, had been his advocacy for the plight of migrants… a position that had seen the Pope be at odds with various political leaders.
“He (had) highlighted the plight of migrants and refugees, reminding us that “(They) are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women, and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more.”
“He was a tireless advocate for the need to address inequality, often framing this need as a moral and social imperative rooted in the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and the common good,” the President’s statement further added.
According to President Ali, Pope Francis’ papacy is one that had a far-reaching impact and has secured his legacy within the history of pontiffs. The President also extended his condolences to Catholics at home and abroad, going on to wish Pope Francis a splendid eternal rest.
“As the spiritual head of more than 1.3 billion Roman Catholics, his death will be deeply felt across all continents. On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community and especially the Faithful of our local diocese,” President Ali said.

Guyanese churches
Meanwhile, it was a solemn scene at the Brickdam Cathedral, where the Papal Flag, which is also the Flag of the Holy See/Vatican City, was lowered to half-mast in the courtyard of the Cathedral Presbytery.
The Brickdam Cathedral also announced that it was canceling this year’s Easter celebration of music and song “due to the passing of our Beloved Pope, as a sign of respect to his legacy.” The cathedral also prayed that with the passing of the Pope, “Eternal rest grant unto Him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon Him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Additionally, the Anglican Church of Christ the King located in Linden also joined in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, describing the Pope as “a faithful shepherd whose life bore witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through humility, compassion, and a tireless pursuit of peace and justice. His profound commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the stewardship of creation touched hearts across denominations and faiths.”
The church noted that the Pope had a courageous voice and a “deep yearning” for all Christians to be unified. They also noted that “in his outreach to the Anglican Communion, Pope Francis exemplified the spirit of reconciliation and ecumenical friendship, reminding us all of our shared calling in Christ.”

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina and was the first Pope from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the first non-European Pope of the modern era. He died on Monday after a period of ill health that included being hospitalised for pneumonia in February and March.

Burial service
The Guardian reported on Monday evening that Cardinals are to meet today to start planning Pope Francis’ funeral at St Peter’s Basilica, which must take place between four and six days after his death – between Friday and Sunday.
The pope’s apartment was formally sealed and his body moved to a wood and zinc coffin in the Santa Marta chapel on Monday evening, the Vatican said.
Agence France-Presse also reports that the coffin will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica – probably on Wednesday – to lie in state.
According to The Guardian, Francis had already announced he would be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, in a break with tradition. He said in his will that he wanted a simple, unadorned tomb “with the only inscription: Franciscus” – Francis in Latin.