Warisan conveys condolences to Catholics over Pope Francis's passing
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan has conveyed its condolences to the Catholic community over the passing of Pope Francis.
Its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the pope has been known for being a religious leader who promotes a message of peace, unity and harmony, especially in nations of conflict.
'In times where the world is becoming more overwhelmed with social, economic and political conflicts that threaten the lives of those of lower and medium income, Pope Francis stood firm in bringing his message of tolerance,' he said in a statement.
'I would also like to convey my deepest condolences to the Catholic community in Malaysia, specifically Sabah and Sarawak,' he added.
Shafie hopes the pope's legacy of promoting peace and tolerance will be continued by future generations.
All Catholic churches in Sabah are expected to hold special masses over Pope Francis' death, but the dates have yet to be set.
In Rome, a nine-day official mourning period called the Novendiales is observed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
19 hours ago
- The Sun
First China bishop appointed under Pope Leo
Vatican City: The Vatican announced Wednesday the first appointment of a Chinese bishop under Leo XIV, signalling the new pope's support for a controversial accord on nominations struck by his predecessor with Beijing. The Holy See expressed "satisfaction" at the recognition by China of the appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, capital of the southeastern Fujian province. The pope made the nomination on June 5. "This event represents further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is an important step in the communal journey of the diocese," it said in a statement. The Vatican and China's Communist leadership do not have formal diplomatic relations, as the Holy See recognises Taiwan while Beijing claims the self-ruled island as its own territory. But in a historic deal, they agreed in 2018 to allow both sides a say in the naming of bishops in China, which has about 12 million Catholics. The deal -- whose text has never been made public -- has drawn criticism within the Church, with some seeing it as allowing the Communist government a stranglehold over the country's Catholics. Yet as Pope Francis sought to make inroads for the Church in China, the deal was renewed several times, most recently in October 2024, for four years. Francis died on April 21 after 12 years as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, and Leo was elected in a conclave of cardinals on May 8. Between the death of one pope and the naming of another, Beijing proceeded with the "election" of two bishops in the dioceses of Shanghai and Xinxiang. Commentators have viewed that move as an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to take advantage of the institutional vacuum in the Vatican to assert its authority over the Church in China.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- The Sun
Vatican announces its first Chinese bishop under Leo XIV
Vatican City: The Vatican announced Wednesday the first appointment of a Chinese bishop under Leo XIV, signalling the new pope's support for a controversial accord on nominations struck by his predecessor with Beijing. The Holy See expressed "satisfaction" at the recognition by China of the appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, capital of the southeastern Fujian province. The pope made the nomination on June 5. "This event represents further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is an important step in the communal journey of the diocese," it said in a statement. The Vatican and China's Communist leadership do not have formal diplomatic relations, as the Holy See recognises Taiwan while Beijing claims the self-ruled island as its own territory. But in a historic deal, they agreed in 2018 to allow both sides a say in the naming of bishops in China, which has about 12 million Catholics. The deal -- whose text has never been made public -- has drawn criticism within the Church, with some seeing it as allowing the Communist government a stranglehold over the country's Catholics. Yet as Pope Francis sought to make inroads for the Church in China, the deal was renewed several times, most recently in October 2024, for four years. Francis died on April 21 after 12 years as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, and Leo was elected in a conclave of cardinals on May 8. Between the death of one pope and the naming of another, Beijing proceeded with the "election" of two bishops in the dioceses of Shanghai and Xinxiang. Commentators have viewed that move as an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to take advantage of the institutional vacuum in the Vatican to assert its authority over the Church in China.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Prosecutors in Philippine VP's impeachment say trial must proceed
FILE PHOTO: Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a statement following her impeachment by the lower house of the Congress, in her office at Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 7, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine prosecutors said on Wednesday there was no stopping the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, expressing bemusement at why the Senate convened a court before swiftly returning the case to the lower house. The impeachment of Duterte, a likely contender for the 2028 presidency, has dominated headlines in the Philippines this year after a high-profile grudge match between her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that spiralled into a bitter battle for power and influence. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in February to impeach Duterte for betrayal of public trust and high crimes, referring the case to the Senate to convene a trial. Duterte insists the impeachment is politically motivated and denies wrongdoing. But the Senate on Tuesday sent the case back to the lower house, requiring it to certify that it was lawful, a move some critics said was a tactic to try to thwart the impeachment. The decision prompted wider outrage, including from legal and church groups, who said it was a betrayal of the constitution and a shirking of the Senate's responsibility to hold public officials accountable. Congresswoman Gerville Luistro, a member of the impeachment prosecution panel, said the lower house had fulfilled its duty and the Senate's issuance of a summons to Duterte to answer charges meant it already had jurisdiction over the case. "No one can stop this anymore," Luistro told a press conference, adding the prosecution's case was strong and backed by ample evidence. "We are certain that the complaint is strictly and fully compliant with the requirements of the constitution." POLITICAL MANOEUVRE The popular daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte has been accused of budget irregularities, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening the lives of Marcos, the first lady and and the house speaker. She faces a lifetime political ban if convicted. Senator Imee Marcos, the president's sister and now an ally of the Duterte, said there was justification in the Senate's decision and called the impeachment bid a political manoeuvre to keep Duterte out of the 2028 presidential race. Marcos has distanced himself from the impeachment and his office on Wednesday said the president was busy and not following the trial. Duterte's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Marcos, who is limited to a single term, is expected to groom a successor who can preserve his influence and legacy and defeat Duterte if she is acquitted and runs for the presidency. Outside the upper house on Wednesday, hundreds of protesters braved the rain, carrying banners demanding accountability from Duterte and calling the senators "cowards" and "traitors". The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, a prominent church group, said the decision was a betrayal of the public trust. "Allow the constitutional process to proceed without obstruction. If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear," its president said. (Reporting by Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores; Additional reporting by Lisa David)
