Praying for Pope Francis

May 09, 2025

Sarawak
The shepherd of Sibu intentionally placed Papa Francis’ picture next to the Jubilee Cross which will be moving throughout the Diocese of Sibu.

On April 25 at 7.30pm, one thousand people attended the memorial Mass to pray for the repose soul of Papa Francis at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

In his homily and reflection, Bishop of Sibu, Rt Rev Joseph Hii described Papa Francis as a true Witness of the Risen Lord.

“We have seen the Resurrected Lord in the life of Pope Francis. The Lord is truly risen in him.”



Describing him as a man who has faithfully lived out his baptismal call, becoming a living witness to Christ’s love and mercy.

He literally laboured until his last breath, giving himself fully in humble service to the Church and to all of humanity — especially the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalised.

“As the Perjalanan Salib travels to every parish, chapel, community, home, longhouse, and workplace, we now call upon him to journey with us. May his example inspire us to live the joy of the Gospel with courage, tenderness, and faith.”

In the Archdiocese of Kuching, Bishop Simon Poh, who was appointed by Pope Francis as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kuching on March 4, 2017 (Auxiliary Bishop on July 9, 2015), held a Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis on April 25, 2025, at 5.30pm at the Cathedral of St Joseph.

The prelate said that the death of Pope Francis is a global loss.

“Pope Francis reminds us that as priests and bishops, we are called to be shepherds who smell like the sheep, walking with the people entrusted to us with humility and compassion,” said Archbishop Simon.

The Diocese of Miri celebrated Requiem Mass for the Holy Father Francis on April 26 at 7.00 am at the Cathedral of St Joseph.

“The two outstanding characteristics of Pope Francis to me are his humility and his humanity, especially his closeness to those who are suffering,” said Bishop Richard Ng.

Peninsular Malaysia
The Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, joined Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur and the clergy in a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of St John on the evening of April 29.

“May the legacy and insights of the late Pope Francis, especially the spirit of fraternity, inclusivity, and synodality, continue to inspire society today,” said Archbishop Julian.

In the Diocese of Penang, as Cardinal Sebastian Francis is in Rome, Msgr Henry Rajoo requested all parishes to celebrate a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis to celebrate his life and entrust his soul to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on May 1. Prior to that, many parishes did celebrate the requeim mass for the Holy Father.



In the Diocese of Malacca Johore, a memorial Mass for the late Holy Father, Pope Francis, was celebrated on Tuesday, April 29, at the Chapel of St James, Majodi. The 7.00am Mass was presided over by Bishop Bernard Paul and attended by many lay faithful.

Before the Mass, numerous attendees gathered to sign the Book of Condolences and offer prayers for the late pope.

In his homily, Bishop Bernard reflected on Pope Francis’ enduring legacy of building bridges with people of other faiths and his leadership marked by hope and compassion for all humanity. He highlighted how Pope Francis’ humility and advocacy for the poor — especially migrants — had deeply resonated not only with Catholics but also with many in the Muslim world.



The bishop also recalled the pope’s simplicity, his tenderness toward the suffering, and his inclusive approach to sensitive issues involving the LGBTQ community and those who are divorced and remarried. He cited Pope Francis’ powerful image of the Church as a “field hospital,” and his call for clergy to be close to the people “to smell like the sheep.”

Bishop Bernard concluded by urging the faithful to pray daily in a special way for the upcoming conclave and the election of a new pope, asking God to guide the Church through these challenging times.

Sabah
In the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu, all parish priests joined Archbishop John Wong to celebrate a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on April 28 at 7.30pm.

“In our moment of sorrow, we are comforted by the thought that Pope Francis is now with the Heavenly Father who had called him to lead His Church for the past 12 years.” said Archbishop John.

In the Diocese of Keningau, Bishop Cornelius Piong encouraged his priests to celebrate a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at every parish.

Bishop Cornelius stated that His Holiness Pope Francis was a true inspiration to everyone. He touched every life and contributed tremendously to strengthening family, refreshing the role of the Church, community, and the care of Creation and the environment.

The prelate added, “He tirelessly promoted interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and the shared values that unite all religious traditions and respect for the dignity of all beings.”



The Bishop of Sandakan, Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, celebrated the Requiem Mass for the soul of Pope Francis on the evening of May 5, at the Cathedral of St Mary, Sandakan.

“As we mourn the passing of our beloved Pope Francis, pray with deep gratitude for the goodness of a life well lived and his leadership as the shepherd of the universal Church. May the Lord grant him eternal rest in his kingdom. May God grant him eternal rest in His kingdom,” he said.