By Sue-Ann Wayow

PRIME Minister Stuart Young has joined with Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday.

Young, posted a tribute to his social media pages.

He wrote, “Pope Francis was a great and humble leader. He was the first Pope from the southern hemisphere and from the Americas having been born in Argentina.

Pope Francis focused on uplifting the poor and vulnerable and in the modern world was known for his desire for peace and the promotion of international diplomacy. He approached modern topics with an open mind and was not afraid to suggest a need for change.

“He was a known advocate for action on climate change and showed genuine concern with regard to the treatment of migrants and often called for more protection for migrants and others who found themselves in vulnerable circumstances.”

Young also prayed that the the next pope will be chosen mindful of the world in which people now live in and its challenges faced.

He ended his message with, “On behalf of my family, the government and the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church on the passing of a truly inspirational leader, Pope Francis. May his soul rest in eternal peace oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.”

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar also expressed condolences.

In a media release, she said the Catholic Church and the world have lost one of the best champions of humanity, freedom, and global unity.

“His natural charm, deep humility, genuine love for the poor, and keen interest and championing of contemporary issues like global climate change endeared him to not just the Catholic community but the entire world, casting him as humanity’s moral conscience,” Persad-Bissessar said.

She said Pope Francis was beloved, extolled and heralded by global leaders for his activism in those causes, and veritably seen as a universal guide and authority figure.

Throughout his dutiful, pioneering tenure, to the last days, when he appeared to a crowd despite his illness, Pope Francis remained an inspiration to all of humanity, Persad-Bissessar said.

She quoted what he said during the global Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have realised that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented and all of us to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other,” Pope Francis had said.

Persad-Bissessar said that was a veritable lesson of his great legacy, which will redound for eternity.

She said, “His life will forever serve to us all as a reminder of our obligation to build a culture, locally and globally, in which the strong protect the weak, and justice, fairness, dignity and progressiveness is God’s ultimate gift for humanity which all are duty bound to embody in a life of public and personal service.”

Persad-Bissessar said, “May this humble, wise, and fearless priest from Argentina, who became one of our world’s greatest moral leaders and the Good Shepherd of our times, find eternal peace with the Lord, and may we always find comfort and example in his life’s great, inspirational work and endearing legacy.”