Panaji: Church on Monday expressed grief over the demise of Pope Francis calling it as “sad news” but also “a moment of giving thanks to God.”
Fr Henry Falcao, Director of St Joseph Vaz Renewal Centre at Old Goa, said that “it is a sad news for the universal church. But at the same time, it is a moment of giving thanks to God.”
“The God has led the church for the last almost 12 years now with the leadership of this great man, a man of god, that’s why it is also a moment for the church to thank the god…,” he said.
Falcao said that the funeral date has not finalised, the mourning continues till the funeral takes place.
“It is also a time for the church to pray intensely that the god will provide us a leader, a new Pope, who will guide the church in this difficult times,” he said.
Falcao said these times are so difficult, the Pope was so vocal, he spoke so much against war, he was a man of peace, he was the man for the poor.
“It is also a humble prayer of church. These days of mourning are also the days of intense prayer and silence,” he said.
The Priest said that the church is also in the Easter season, the Easter feast continues for next 50 days.
“ We are believers in the resurrection of Christ, it gives us hope, god will lead the church, and guide the church by the holy spirit,” he said.
Fr Ralin de Souza of Rector of Don Bosco, Fatorda in South Goa, said that the news of the death of Pope Francis is truly a moment of big transition for us.
Fr de Souza said “First, he was known to be very simple he didn’t want too much protocol and I think that simplicity is a quality that stands out in him as a Christian and as a representative of Christ.”
“Second, he was very honest when he dealt with things, even when it came to religious leaders in the Church. He was forthright and demanding of them, calling for certain standards in how we deal with Christians and how we serve those in the Church,” he added.
The priest said he is also remembered as one who was known for peace.
“In many places where there has been war, people have often been cautious about saying who is right or wrong, but he gave straightforward statements and provided clear directions above all, demanding peace, irrespective of what countries or leaders had to say,” he added.
