Latest news with #WorldYouthDays
Herald Malaysia
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
A Pope felt from Afar: Francis' quiet footprint in Malaysia
Pope Francis places a red biretta on new Cardinal Soter Fernandez in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, November 19, 2016. Though he never stepped foot in Malaysia, Pope Francis left a deep and lasting imprint on the hearts of its people. His messages, broadcast from Rome, lived out through his global journeys, and echoed in pastoral letters, were warmly received across Malaysia's Catholic and interfaith communities. He became a spiritual figure not only to Catholics, but to many Malaysians who admired his sincerity, humility, and progressive compassion. Malaysia's Connection to Pope Francis Diplomatic Ties: Malaysia and the Holy See formalised relations in 2011, just two years before Francis' election. This strengthened the diplomatic relationship between the two especially with Malaysia's first resident ambassador to the Holy See, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok in 2016. Papal Audiences: Malaysian bishops and youth delegates had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during various synods, ad liminas, World Youth Days and Jubilee of Hope events. Their exchanges left lasting impressions of the Pope's focus on a Church that is deeply engaged with the world, particularly the marginalised. Regional Outreach: In 2024, he visited neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia. Hundreds of Malaysian Catholics crossed the Causeway or flew to Jakarta to attend the papal Masses, events which further united the Catholic community across Southeast Asia and solidified the spiritual bonds between Pope Francis and his Malaysian followers. Humanitarian Influence: Pope Francis' calls for global solidarity during crises like the Rohingya refugee crisis, climate emergencies, and the COVID-19 pandemic resonated strongly with Malaysian NGOs and religious leaders. His frequent appeals for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity found strong support within Malaysia's religious landscape. Malaysian Bishops Appointed by him Most Rev Julian Leow Beng Kim, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Notable For: Archbishop Julian has been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering social engagement within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. His efforts in building bridges between different faith communities have made significant contributions to the Church's mission in Malaysia. Rt Rev Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri Notable For: Bishop Richard is known for his deep theological insights and contributions to biblical studies, enhancing the Church's understanding of Scripture. His leadership focuses on strengthening the presbyterium, building infrastructure, training catechists, and providing faith formation to meet the growing needs of the faithful. Most Rev Simon Poh, Archbishop of Kuching Notable For: Archbishop Simon has been a impactful leader for the Church in Sarawak, with a focus on youth, unity, and interfaith harmony. His pastoral care extends beyond the Catholic community, reaching out to other religious groups and focusing on the importance of unity in diversity. Rt Rev Bernard Paul, Bishop of Malacca Johore
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Bay of Plenty leaders honour Pope Francis' legacy of social justice and care
In what became his final public appearance, the Argentine pontiff greeted crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. Francis 'challenged you', Muller said. 'To think of less fortunate people, then to orientate your politics and your activity towards it.' Muller said the pope was a prayerful and reflective person. 'I think we need people like that in our society to help orient it at times.' Aquinas College principal Matt Dalton said Francis was a champion for social justice and marginalised groups in society. 'We give thanks for his witness,' Dalton said. The Catholic school community prayed and reflected on Francis' death and would provide guidance for students when they return to school. St Mary's Catholic School Tauranga said in a post to social media that their school community would 'join the faithful around the world in mourning his loss and giving thanks for his humility, compassion, and service'. 'We invite all our students, staff, and families to keep Pope Francis in your prayers.' Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Francis and said it was a 'time of great sorrow for all those who have admired Pope Francis' compassion and humility'. Winston Peters, who is Acting Prime Minister while Luxon is in Britain, said on behalf of the Government and the New Zealand people, 'We extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Francis. 'We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion.' A joint statement from Father Prakash Somu and Father Mohan Kumar of Rotorua's Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish said a special Requiem Mass would be held at Saint Mary's Church on Wednesday at 12.05pm 'to honour the life, ministry, and legacy of Pope Francis'. 'All are welcome to come and pray, give thanks, and reflect on the hope and humility he brought to the church and the world.' The statement said many parishioners had the privilege of seeing Francis during World Youth Days and pilgrimages to Rome. 'Most notably, the bishops of New Zealand have met with him personally, and they often spoke of his warmth, simplicity, and his genuine care for all people. 'He was a pope who truly lived the Gospel – a shepherd who smelled of the sheep, as he liked to say – and we will remember him with deep affection.' They said their prayer was that the new pope would continue the 'spirit of mercy and inclusivity Francis embodied – championing the poor, caring for creation, and being a bridge-builder in a divided world'. 'We hope the new Holy Father will listen deeply to the cries of the Earth and of humanity, guiding the church with wisdom, compassion, and courage in today's complex world.' John Paul College principal Justin Harper said: 'We were saddened to hear the news last night, especially after seeing that Pope Francis was able to attend the Easter Mass at the Vatican.' The college would start the next term with a memorial service to celebrate Francis' life and contribution, and flags were at half-mast as a sign of respect, he said. 'Pope Francis will be remembered as a 'first' for the church. He was the first South American pope and also the first Jesuit pope. 'His legacy includes positive changes to the church, which include a recent synod.'
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Pope Francis' death: Special Requiem Mass to be held in Rotorua to honour life and legacy
Winston Peters, who is Acting Prime Minister while Luxon is in Britain, said on behalf of the Government and the New Zealand people, 'We extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis. 'We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion.' 'All are welcome' at requiem mass A joint statement from Father Prakash Somu and Father Mohan Kumar of Rotorua's Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish said a special Requiem Mass would be held at Saint Mary's Church on Wednesday at 12.05pm 'to honour the life, ministry, and legacy of Pope Francis'. 'All are welcome to come and pray, give thanks, and reflect on the hope and humility he brought to the church and the world.' The statement said many parishioners had the privilege of seeing Pope Francis during World Youth Days and pilgrimages to Rome. 'Most notably, the bishops of New Zealand have met with him personally, and they often spoke of his warmth, simplicity, and his genuine care for all people. 'He was a pope who truly lived the Gospel — a shepherd who smelled of the sheep, as he liked to say — and we will remember him with deep affection.' They said their prayer was that the new Pope would continue the 'spirit of mercy and inclusivity that Pope Francis embodied — championing the poor, caring for creation, and being a bridge-builder in a divided world'. 'We hope the new Holy Father will listen deeply to the cries of the Earth and of humanity, guiding the church with wisdom, compassion, and courage in today's complex world.' The statement said the election of a new Pope — known as the Conclave — was 'one of the most sacred and solemn processes in the church'. After the funeral rites, the College of Cardinals would gather in prayerful discernment within the Sistine Chapel. 'Through a process rich in tradition and guided by the Holy Spirit, a new Pope is chosen — a moment that reminds us that, even in grief, the church moves forward with faith and hope." The statement quoted a saying of Pope Francis: 'A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just'. 'We will remember him for warming our world with that mercy — and we now entrust him to the loving mercy of God." John Paul College principal Justin Harper said: 'We were saddened to hear the news last night, especially after seeing that Pope Francis was able to attend the Easter Mass at the Vatican'. The college would start the next term with a memorial service to celebrate Pope Francis' life and contribution, and flags were at half-mast as a sign of respect, he said. 'Pope Francis will be remembered as a 'first' for the church. He was the first South American Pope and also the first Jesuit Pope. 'His legacy includes positive changes to the church, which include a recent synod.' Harper said Pope Francis focused on inclusion, challenging people toward stewardship roles, and oversaw the addressing of historical injustices of the church. 'Collectively, the church now begins a focus on the Papal Conclave, where Francis' replacement will be elected.'
