Cayman’s Roman Catholic congregation and the rest of the community join the world in mourning the passing of the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis.
The 88 year-old Pope who had been ailing for some time, passed away early on Easter Monday. He died just a day after he made a surprise appearance delivering Easter greetings from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica where he had been recuperating.
He was sitting in a wheelchair and waved to cheering crowds.
Pope Francis was hospitalised for several weeks in February with pneumonia and had only returned to the Vatican last month.
In his Easter blessing which was delivered by a clergy member, the Pope said: “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others."
Pope Francis was also visited on Sunday by the United States Vice President J D Vance for what was described as a "quick and private" meeting.
According to news reports, ‘the meeting came amid tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over the US president's crackdown on migrants and cuts to international aid’.
Although appearing frail, Pope Francis's passing so shortly after he made that appearance on Easter Sunday has nevertheless sent shockwaves around the world.
Tributes are already pouring in from around the world.
Britain’s King Charles issued a statement shortly after the Pope's passing was announced on Monday morning.
It said in part: “My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry. His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.”
Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina, became the first pontiff from Latin America in 2013.
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