Believers in Oman pay tribute as world mourns Pope Francis
Muscat: The Roman Catholic community in Oman joined millions around the world on Monday in mourning the death of Pope Francis, remembered as a humble shepherd of peace and a tireless voice for the poor.
The Vatican confirmed that the 266th pope passed away earlier in the day at the age of 88.
Reflecting on the late pontiff's life and legacy, Fr. George Vadukkut OFM Cap, Priest-in-Charge of Catholic Churches in Oman and Parish Priest at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Ghala, offered a heartfelt tribute that resonated with the faithful across the Sultanate.
'Today, Heaven welcomes a shepherd of souls, a prophet of peace, a friend of the poor,' Fr. George said. 'The Church has lost a father, but Heaven has gained a saint.'
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis entered the Jesuit order in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He rose through the Church's hierarchy with a pastoral heart rooted in service to the marginalised, eventually becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires and later, a cardinal.
His election to the papacy on 13 March 2013 marked a turning point in the modern Church - he became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi.
Fr. George recalled, 'He signalled a vision for a Church that is 'poor and for the poor.'
He chose simplicity over grandeur, mercy over judgment.'
Pope Francis' pontificate was marked by an enduring commitment to interfaith dialogue, environmental responsibility, and global solidarity.
For Catholics in Oman, one of the most significant milestones during his leadership came when the Holy See formally established diplomatic ties with the Sultanate of Oman - a gesture that deepened mutual respect and recognition between the Vatican and the Muslim-majority country known for its religious harmony.
'That moment meant a great deal to us here in Oman,' Fr. George told Times of Oman on Monday.
'It symbolised the growing friendship between faith communities and reinforced Oman's role as a land of peace and coexistence.'
Another historic chapter in Pope Francis' life was his 2019 visit to the Arabian Peninsula, the first ever by a pope.
During the trip, he signed the Document on Human Fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi - a call for global unity and interreligious understanding.
Fr. George, who had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis on multiple occasions, said: 'Each encounter with him was a moment of grace. His gentle eyes conveyed the very presence of Christ.'
As Oman's Catholic community mourns this immense loss, Fr. George said the best way to honour Pope Francis' memory is to live the values he preached.
'He taught us to build bridges, not walls. To walk with the wounded. To serve the least among us. His message remains a living Gospel.'
A special memorial mass is expected to be held in Muscat this week as the faithful gather to offer prayers of thanksgiving for a life that inspired millions.
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