SIBU: Thousands of faithful gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral here last night for a solemn Mass to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.
The Bishop of Sibu, Right Reverend Joseph Hii, described the late pontiff as “a true witness of the Risen Lord”.
“We have seen the Resurrected Lord in the life of Pope Francis. The Lord is truly risen in him,” he said in his homily.
He paid tribute to the Pope’s unwavering commitment to his pastoral mission, describing him as a man who had faithfully lived out his baptismal call and who gave himself fully in humble service to the Church and humanity, especially the poor, the forgotten and the marginalised.
Bishop Hii also placed a photo of Pope Francis next to the Jubilee Cross, which is currently travelling across the Diocese of Sibu.
“As this cross travels to every parish, chapel, community, home, longhouse and workplace, we now call upon him to journey with us,” he said.
“May his example inspire us to live the joy of the Gospel with courage, tenderness and faith.”
In an earlier written tribute, Bishop Hii expressed “profound sorrow and deep gratitude” over the Pope’s passing.
“Pope Francis was a shepherd after the heart of Christ. He was a tireless witness to the mercy of God and a voice for the voiceless,” he said.
“He walked with humility, preached with joy, and lived with deep love for all creation.
“His life reflected the Gospel in action, calling the Church to ecological responsibility, solidarity with the poor, and a renewed commitment to human dignity.
“One of his most enduring messages comes from ‘Fratelli tutti’: ‘Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home’.”
At the close of the Mass, parishioners were seen queuing patiently towards Pope Francis’ photo to pay their final respects to the late pontiff.
A prayer inspired by Pope Francis’ life was also recited, reflecting on his legacy of compassion, humility and Gospel joy.
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held at 10:00 am (4:00 pm Malaysian time) today (April 26) at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
The liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, followed by interment at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
