Malaysia archbishop: Pope Francis exemplified a Church with a human heart

“Pope Francis has inspired a Church that is welcoming with a human heart, showing the merciful face of God,” says Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching, Malaysia.

The Catholic Church throughout Malaysia is deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, he added.

Poh also said ever since Francis’ hospitalization, the Catholic Church has been praying for him.  

“Together with the cardinals, archbishops, and bishops of Singapore and Malaysia, we are indeed grateful to the Lord for having been given the opportunity to personally meet him during his pastoral visit to Singapore in September 2024,” Poh said.

“Pilgrims from the Kuching Archdiocese are preparing to make a pilgrimage to Rome and were hoping to see Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City,” he added.

Personally, Poh was feeling sad that he died so suddenly.  “It was Pope Francis who inspired bishops and priests to become “a shepherd smelling of his sheep,” to be close to the people we are serving.”

Francis appointed Poh to be a bishop in 2015 and later as the Archbishop of Kuching. On both occasions, Poh was blessed to have met Francis in Rome, especially for a whole month at the Synod on Youth in October 2018. 

“Pope Francis had inspired me in the choice of my motto: ‘Pastor Cordis Christi’ in Latin, which translates as ‘Shepherd after the Heart of Jesus.’ From Pope Francis, I have learned to be a bishop who remains near the people and reaches out to engage with spiritual leaders from respective faiths,” Poh added.

“In recognizing the humanity of each other, dialoguing and accepting the similarity while respecting the difference, we can become friends and build a society of peace, harmony, and mutual respect,” he said.

In the meantime, the world waits for more information and details about the funeral from the Vatican. Churches will include a special prayer intention for the repose of Pope Francis in all our Holy Masses. 

“We will also prepare a Book of Condolences and a place where Catholics and friends can come to offer prayers and pay their last respects. More information will be provided later,” Poh said.

“We are indeed saddened that we have lost Pope Francis, who was a world spiritual leader in strengthening human fraternity, interreligious dialogue, and collaboration; speaking for the need to take care of the earth on the global platform; highlighting and caring for the migrants, climate and war refugees, and especially those who are on the margins of society,” Poh said.

I take this opportunity to thank the many people and friends from all faiths who have personally expressed their condolences to the Catholic Church.

The 88-year-old Francis died on April 21 in the Vatican due to a stroke, causing a coma and “irreversible” heart failure, according to his death certificate released by the Vatican.

Before his death, he was recovering from a five-week hospitalization due to double pneumonia.