KUCHING: The Catholic Church in Malaysia is deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, says Kuching Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh.
He described Pope Francis as a spiritual leader who strengthened human fraternity, inter-religious dialogue, and collaboration, while highlighting the need to care for the earth and address climate issues, as well as the plight of migrants, war refugees, and those on the margins of society.
"Pope Francis inspired a church that is welcoming and with a human heart that shows the merciful face of God," Poh said in a statement on Monday (April 21).
Poh noted that pilgrims from the Kuching Archdiocese were preparing to visit Rome, hoping to see the pope at the Wednesday General Audience in Vatican City.
He also mentioned that the cardinals, archbishops, and bishops of Singapore and Malaysia were grateful to have met Pope Francis during his pastoral visit to Singapore last September.
On a personal note, Poh shared that Pope Francis appointed him as a bishop in 2015 and later as the Archbishop of Kuching.
"On both occasions, I was blessed to have met him personally in Rome. Pope Francis inspired me with the choice of my motto 'Pastor Cordis Christi', which means 'shepherd after the heart of Jesus'.
"From Pope Francis, I learned to be a bishop who is near to the people and reaches out to engage with spiritual leaders from respective faiths," Poh said.
He added that the Kuching Archdiocese will prepare a book of condolences and a place for Catholics and friends to pray and offer their last respects, with more information to be provided later.
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, died on Monday (April 21) aged 88.
