Sri Lanka's President Honors Pope Francis' Legacy of Compassion and Peace

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

In a statement, President Dissanayake highlighted Pope Francis' unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and humanity, noting the profound impact he had on the world.

"It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness @Pontifex, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. His unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and humanity has left an indelible mark on the world."

The President emphasized the enduring legacy of Pope Francis, whose dedication to compassion, justice, and interfaith harmony will continue to inspire future generations.

"May his legacy of compassion, justice, and interfaith harmony continue to inspire generations to come."

At 9:45 AM Vatican time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days.

His clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.

After 38 days in the hospital, Pope Francis returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. However, his health continued to decline, leading to his passing this morning (21).

In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung affected by a severe respiratory infection.

As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even canceling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass that has yet to be announced.

The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.

The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.

“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

As the Vatican prepares for the funeral rites, the world mourns the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to service, love, and the values of the Gospel.