KARACHI: Just a day after rejoicing on Easter, Catholic Christians in the city were saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, on Monday.

They had only a day earlier watched him at St Peter’s Square during the Easter celebrations in Vatican City.

The 88-year-old Pope had suffered a serious bout of double pneumonia, for which he also had to be hospitalised some time ago.

According to Reverend Father Mario Angelo Rodrigues, the principal of St Patrick’s High School, who had met him in person soon after his appointment as the Pope some 12 years ago, said that he was quite unwell since before the season of Lent.

Catholic Board announces holiday today

“He was in hospital for about a month after which he was discharged though he was not doing too well,” he said.

“Yesterday, after the Easter mass, he did greet the people but he looked very weak. And this morning it was a shock for us all to hear that he was gone,” he said.

“During the Easter mass he called for a ceasefire in Gaza, Palestine,” he added.

“The Catholic Board has announced a holiday for Tuesday as a day of mourning. And on the day of his funeral there will be another holiday,” said Father Mario.

The Archbishop of Karachi Benny Mario Travas also released a statement from the Archdiocese of Karachi, calling the Pope’s death a great loss to the Catholic Church.

He said that the Pope’s passing had brought great sorrow and sadness to the world, for he was a man who was greatly loved and respected by all.

“Pope Francis has, in a short time, left a great legacy for the Catholic Church to follow. He centered his entire Pontificate around living our Christian life with joy, with mercy and forgiveness, and with deep concern and love for the poor and vulnerable of society, especially the migrants,” the Archbishop said.

“As we bid farewell to such a holy and remarkable disciple of Jesus, who carried his cross till the very end, let us pray that the Good Lord may grant his soul eternal rest. I pray that each one of you may receive the strength and consolation to bear this great loss to the Catholic Church,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2025