Message from Archbishop Simon Poh
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. We were overjoyed to see him visiting the inmates on Holy Thursday.
Together with the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of Singapore and Malaysia, we are indeed grateful to the Lord to have been given the opportunity to personally meet him during his pastoral visit to Singapore in Sep 2024.
Pilgrims from Kuching Archdiocese are preparing to make a pilgrimage to Rome and were hoping to see Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
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 Oct 2018.
Pope Francis had inspired me in the choice of my motto: “Pastor Cordis Christi” in Latin which translates as “Shepherd after the Heart of Jesus”. From Pope Francis, I have learnt to be a bishop who remains near to the people and reaches out to engage with spiritual leaders from respective faiths. In recognising the humanity of each other, dialoguing and accepting the similarity while respecting the difference, we can become friends and build a society of peace, harmony and mutual respect for each other.
In the meantime, while we wait for more information and details for the funeral from the Vatican, our Churches will include a special prayer intention for the repose of Pope Francis in all our Holy Masses.
We will also prepare a Book of Condolences and a place where Catholics and friends can come to offer prayers and pay their last respects. More information will be provided later.
We are indeed saddened that we have lost Pope Francis who was a world spiritual leader in strengthening human fraternity, interreligious dialogue and collaboration; speaking for the need to take care of the earth on the global platform; highlighting and caring for the migrants, climate and war refugees, and especially those who are on the margins of society.
Pope Francis had inspired a Church that is welcoming with a human heart, showing the merciful face of God.
In 2021, Pope Francis gave great honour and respect to the elderly when he instituted the annual World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July. Today, we honour our Pope Francis, an elderly Catholic and Shepherd, who had witnessed through his life, vision and ministry, contributions and wisdom that will continue to bless us now and the future generations to come.
I take this opportunity to thank the many people and friends from all faiths who have personally expressed your condolences to the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Simon Poh
Archdiocese of Kuching
