(LICAS News): Asia’s bishops mourned the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, praising him as a shepherd of humility and mercy who led the Catholic Church with a deep commitment to dialogue, justice, and hope.
Bishops described the late pope as a spiritual father who lived the gospel with courage and compassion, especially for the poor, the excluded, and those on the margins of society.
Isao Cardinal Kikuchi of Tokyo, who was created cardinal by the pope in December 2024, called his death a “great blow” to the Church, saying his legacy is deeply rooted in the values of synodality.
“During the two Synod General Assembly meetings that I attended myself, Pope Francis often repeated the words, ‘The Holy Spirit is the protagonist’,” he said. “What the Church needs now is to listen obediently to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
Recalling the 2019 papal visit to Japan, Cardinal Kikuchi said he saw a pastor “filled with love and mercy,” who smiled and blessed children during a ride through the Tokyo Dome. He affirmed his commitment to walk the path the pope had shown, “while finding the role he expects me to play.”
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, expressed deep sorrow over what he called the “heartbreaking and unexpected” news of the pope’s death. He said the Church in Thailand remains united in grief and prayer, especially remembering the late pope’s historic 2019 apostolic visit.
Recalling the 2019 papal visit to Japan, Cardinal Kikuchi said he saw a pastor ‘filled with love and mercy,’ who smiled and blessed children during a ride through the Tokyo Dome
The faithful across the country, who still vividly remember his historic visit to Thailand five years ago, are united in prayer for the repose of his soul as he returns home to the Father,
Cardinal Kikuchi
Archbishop Arpondratana also recalled Pope Francis’s lasting influence through his teachings and writings. “His life, his words, and his witness have profoundly touched the hearts of so many of us,” he said. “Inspired by his legacy, we will continue our journey—walking together as pilgrims of hope, striving to live the gospel with our lives.”
In South Korea, Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul remembered Pope Francis as a “shepherd of mercy” who led the Church with deep compassion and unwavering faith.
“With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Pope Francis and join together in prayer,” he said. “Yet, even in our sorrow, we hold fast to the hope that he has now entered into eternal life, illuminated by the light of the Lord’s Resurrection.”
The archbishop praised the late pope’s “life of gospel witness and love,” highlighting his call for a Church that acts as a “field hospital” for the wounded and forgotten. He recalled Pope Francis’ powerful expressions of solidarity—from his first visit to refugees in Lampedusa, Italy, to his humble Holy Thursday liturgies among the incarcerated.
“He constantly encouraged us with the words, Coraggio! Avanti!—‘Take courage! Go forward’!” Archbishop Chung said, adding that the pope’s personal witness continues to give strength to the faithful.
His life, his words, and his witness have profoundly touched the hearts of so many of us
Archbishop Arpondratana
Reflecting on the pope’s close ties to Korea, Archbishop Chung recalled the 2014 beatification of Korean martyrs and Pope Francis’s message to young people during Asian Youth Day. “Young people are not only the hope of tomorrow, but the Church of today,” the pope had said.
As Korea prepares to host the 2027 World Youth Day, the archbishop said the Holy Father’s spirit lives on. “Though we now bid him farewell, we are called to carry forward his legacy by embodying the gospel in our daily lives and extending his love and mercy to others,” he said.
Jose Cardinal Advincula of Manila, the Philippines, described Pope Francis as “our dear Lolo Kiko”—a term of endearment used by Filipino faithful meaning “Grandpa Francis”—and expressed profound gratitude for the gift of his person.
“From the very beginning of his Petrine ministry in 2013, the Holy Father has reminded us that the Church must be close to the poor, merciful to all, and a welcoming home for the forgotten,” Cardinal Advincula said. “These words resonate in our hearts, for they speak so deeply to the soul of the Filipino faithful.”
He recalled the pope’s memorable visit to the Philippines in 2015 as a moment of grace etched in national memory. “Under the rain in Tacloban, standing with the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda [Haiyan], Pope Francis showed us what it means to suffer with others and find hope in the midst of pain,” he said.
Though we now bid him farewell, we are called to carry forward his legacy by embodying the gospel in our daily lives and extending his love and mercy to others
Archbishop Chung
“In Luneta, as he celebrated the Holy Eucharist with millions, he embraced our joy, our faith, and our longing for a Church that walks with its people,” the cardinal added.
On a personal note, he remembered Pope Francis appointing him Archbishop of Manila in 2021 and his elevation to the College of Cardinals. “More importantly,” he added, “we remember him for joyfully witnessing to the Gospel in our world marred by calamity, conflict, and despair.”
He said, “As we celebrated 500 years of Christianity in our land, the Holy Father was with us, thanking God with us for the gift of faith, and encouraging us to continue sharing it with the world. May we always be, as he called us to be, ‘smugglers of the faith,’ carrying the light of Christ to every corner of the earth.”
Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David of Caloocan and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, called on parishes across the country to ring church bells and unite in prayer. “Let us… call our people to prayer for the eternal repose of the Holy Father Pope Francis,” he said.
Bishop Danilo Ulep of Batanes urged Catholic communities to offer Masses. “Pope Francis led the Church with profound humility, compassion, and a courageous love that echoed the heart of Christ,” he said.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo described the pope as “a holy and very human father” whose ministry helped bring healing and direction during turbulent times. “Let us live what our beloved Holy Father has shown and shared to us,” he said.
From the very beginning of his Petrine ministry in 2013, the Holy Father has reminded us that the Church must be close to the poor, merciful to all, and a welcoming home for the forgotten
Cardinal Advincula
Archbishop Ricardo Baccay of Tuguegarao emphasised Pope Francis’ role in strengthening the Church’s synodal journey. “He taught us not only to walk together, but to listen deeply to one another, to the Holy Spirit, and to the cry of the poor and the earth,” he said.
In a deeply personal and emotional tribute, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan described Pope Francis as “the gift of the Good Shepherd to the Church.”
Archbishop Villegas said, “He bravely disturbed us in our complacency and prejudices. He taught us to care for God’s creation. He taught us Jesus. Pope Francis was our Jesus for our age.”
The archibishop, who was among the bishops targeted for criticising extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, shared how Pope Francis encouraged him personally: “When I was mocked and ridiculed and threatened by government authorities in my stand against the extrajudicial killings, he assured me and encouraged me personally in Rome to carry on my task of guiding the flock through my pastoral letters.”
He added, “He knew his bishops. He knew our tears. He knew us and he loved us. He taught us not to fear.”
Archbishop Villegas fondly remembered the 2015 papal visit, saying: “The rains and our tears of joy were mixed running down our cheeks. We knew that in him, Jesus was in our midst.”
His appearance [on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday] was a genuine sacrifice on his part. He allowed us a glimpse of him which gave us a glimpse of hope, a glimpse of Easter
Archbishop Alcaron
In closing, he offered a prayer in Filipino: “Mahigpit na yakap sa bayang ulila. Mahigpit na yakap ang sumalubong nawa sa mahal na Papa sa bahay ng Ama [A tight embrace to the grieving nation. May a tight embrace welcome the beloved pope into the Father’s house].”
Archbishop Rex Alarcon of Caceres said Pope Francis was “a pope of our time” whose presence gave the Church courage and credibility.
He reflected on the pope’s surprise appearance during Easter Sunday, just a day before his death: “His appearance was a genuine sacrifice on his part. He allowed us a glimpse of him which gave us a glimpse of hope, a glimpse of Easter.”
Archbishop Alarcon emphasised the pope’s tireless service: “His life and ministry was one of genuine service and sacrifice. Truly he did not forget the poor. He was a [pope for todos—[all].”
He added, “While we grieve, we thank God for the gift of his person. And yet we are hopeful on this Easter Monday because Jesus is alive. This is our hope.”
He quoted the pope’s final public words: “‘Fratelli e sorelle, Buona Pasqua [Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter]’—a parting message that now resonates as both farewell and blessing.”
