Catholic community in Miri mourns passing of Pope Francis
MIRI (April 21): The Catholic community in the Diocese of Miri, alongside millions of Catholics around the world, is mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died today in Rome at the age of 88.
Bishop of the Diocese of Miri, Rt Rev Bishop Richard Ng, in a statement this afternoon, described the head of the Catholic Church as a great Pope who lived a life of compassion, humility, simplicity, and service.
'In his 12 years as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis shared his vision of a Church permanently on mission in the service of humanity.
'He said the Church is like a field hospital on the battlefield, where the wounded and sick go for treatment and healing, and where the doctors and nurses are not afraid to get their hands dirty,' he said.
He added that the Pope was also a global leader in advocating for and defending the rights and dignity of the poor, migrants, refugees, minorities, and the marginalised.
'We mourn the passing of Pope Francis and pray that he will be welcomed with great joy into the Father's house,' he said. Catholic condolence pope francis Richard Ng
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