Cambodia's top leaders have expressed their deepest condolences following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, honoring his legacy as a global spiritual leader and advocate for peace, justice, and compassion.
The letters of condolence were released on April 22.
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni sent a message to the Vatican, describing Pope Francis as a “spiritual figure of immense stature.” The King highlighted the Pope’s unwavering commitment to moral values such as respect for life, rejection of injustice, and promotion of interreligious dialogue.
“Buddhists and Christians alike recognize themselves in the values He upheld with conviction,” the King noted, expressing gratitude on behalf of all Cambodians.
He praised the Pope’s compassion for the poor, the oppressed, and victims of violence, adding, “May His example continue to inspire humanity.”
Recently, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.
Prime Minister Hun Manet also issued a statement of condolence, extending sympathy on behalf of the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia.
He wrote about Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and his advocacy for peace, justice, and care for the vulnerable.
“His moral leadership and commitment to interfaith dialogue inspired people across the world, including in Cambodia,” the prime minister said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those grieving this profound loss,” he added.
In a letter addressed to Reverend Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Hun Sen conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Cambodian Senate and people. Pope Francis passed on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
“The departure of Pope Francis is an immense loss of the compassionate and transformative head of the Catholic Church,” Hun Sen wrote. He praised the late Pontiff for dedicating his life to the service of Jesus Christ and for championing the causes of the poorest, the marginalized, migrants, the environment, and global peace.
Hun Sen commended the soul of Pope Francis “to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” highlighting the Pope’s impact not only on the Church but also on global efforts toward justice, peace, and prosperity.
These leaders recognized Pope Francis’ far-reaching impact and expressed admiration for his efforts to foster unity and understanding across religious and cultural lines.
Cambodia is in Southeast Asia and has a population of about 16 million people. Most of the population practices Buddhism, while 3% are Muslim and 1% are Christian, including around 20,000 Catholics.
The Catholic Church in Cambodia is organized into three jurisdictions: the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, and the Apostolic Prefecture of Kompong Cham, comprising 107 communities and churches.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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