COTABATO CITY (PIA) – The Bangsamoro government on Tuesday, April 22, expressed its solidarity with the Roman Catholic community in the region following the death of Pope Francis.
“In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters, and we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society where peace and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our existence,” Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said in a statement.
Macacua stated that the news of Pope Francis’ passing has brought profound sadness and grief not only to the country but also to the entire world, as he was a symbol of hope and a relentless advocate for peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue.
“Testament to this were his persistent and heartfelt appeals for peace in the Middle East, especially in the face of atrocities in Palestine,” he added.
Macacua also emphasized that Pope Francis served as a source of moral clarity, continuously urging world leaders to turn away from war and to pursue peaceful resolutions instead.
On Easter Monday, April 21, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away peacefully at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
Pope Francis, who served as the Bishop of Rome, was the first member of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, and the first Latin American pontiff to lead the Catholic Church.
The Pope, whose birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He chose the papal name Pope Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, who inspired him to embrace a life of poverty.
Pope Francis also served as the sovereign of the Vatican City State until his death at the age of 88.
The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the Pope will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday morning, April 26.
The St. Mary Major Basilica, also referred to as the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is the largest Marian church in Rome, Italy, where the Pope is said to visit frequently due to his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (LTB, PIA Cotabato City)
