PM Gonsalves pained at death of Pope Francis

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has said he is pained at the death this week of Pope Francis, who was the global head of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday) at the age of 88 years.

He died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

Dr Gonsalves, a Catholic, expressed condolences to the Vatican, all Catholics and all who are affected by the Pope’s death.

He expressed condolences while speaking on NBC radio on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

The Prime Minister also indicated that he had already sent off a letter of condolences to the Vatican in Rome.

“There was great sadness with the passing of Pope Francis,” he said.

“I was also, and still am pained. We all are anguished at the passing of this holy man of God.”

Gonsalves said apart from being very tolerant, Pope Francis was “ a man of peace and faith, and always had a priority for the poor, the marginalized and the dispossessed.”

He recalled Pope Francis’ work to strengthen the Christian faith, and noted that he also sought to have a greater understanding of other religions worldwide.

In the Prime Minister’s view, Pope Francis has left a legacy of reminding persons about personal redemption and salvation.

“He was a great moral leader,” and one who was very strong about “pleading the cause of migrants who turmoil in their home countries.”

The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to mention his meeting with Pope Francis during his visit to Rome in December, 2013.

On that occasion, he said they shared light moments and also engaged in wide ranging discussions.

Pope Francis’ death on Monday came after a period of prolong illness, that also included hospitalisation.

Originally from Argentina, he was the first Latin American to be elected as the Global Head of the Catholic Church. The Pope’s body lay in a simple wooden coffin in St Peter’s Basilica for three days of public viewing from Wednesday, April 23. He will be buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025.