BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

Pope Francis passed away at his home in the Vatican City at the age of 88 years on April 21, 2025 after several months battling medical issues sending billions of people all over the world into a state of grief over the loss of a legendary leader.

In death and in life, Pope Francis united billions of earth’s inhabitants of different faiths, religions and beliefs and was much respected and admired for his work especially among the poor and downtrodden in different countries.

Pope Francis leaves behind a treasury of knowledge and wisdom and a wealth of experience and skills in dealing with problems, issues and crises that has caused him to be endeared to many by the living example of his holy life.

When he wrote the encyclical “Laudato Si” or “Care for our common home,” it became a highly acclaimed work that was well received not only by Catholics and Christians, but by Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews and free thinkers.

Pope Francis was truly a man for all seasons and his big heart welcomed friends and even foes as he worked tirelessly for world peace and reconciliation among warring factions in different parts of the world.

The loss of Pope Francis, his demise, is going to be greatly felt as he was a bold and fearless leader who brought sweeping changes to the Holy Roman Catholic Church and as a human race there is pride in stating “May his soul rest in peace.”

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher