International Community Mourns the Death of Pope Francis

TaiwanPlus News

Millions of Catholics and global leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis at age 88. Though controversial, he is remembered by many as a man of hope, humility and humanity.

Transcript

00:00Morning bells ring out across Vatican City, a salute to Pope Francis marking

00:08his death at 88. Crowds of pilgrims who flocked to the Holy City for Easter

00:13celebrations now gathering in St. Peter's Square to pray and pay tribute to the

00:18266th leader of the Catholic Church.

00:30It's a moment of a bit of sadness and at the same time thankfulness and

00:39celebration of life. As words spread at the Pope's death, special services have

00:45been held in every corner of the world. In the Buenos Aires Church where Francis

00:50grew up and learned the teachings of the Catholic faith, hundreds of people,

00:53including Argentine authorities, filled the halls for Mass, remembering him for the

00:58man he was and the change he brought with his leadership. Francis was a

01:02transformative figure in the Catholic Church, known for progressive reforms

01:06including making the church more welcoming for the LGBTQ plus community.

01:10He put on the table and didn't open the need of transparency in the church,

01:16the need of reforming of the church that were so long since so long.

01:22In the Philippines, home to one of the world's biggest Catholic populations,

01:28followers said his humility was a source of inspiration.

01:32It was a huge factor in the church. As our youths, he is one of the most important things.

01:40He is the most important thing to us since he is a vicar of Christ.

01:47In his honour, flags of countries across the globe are flying at half-staff. In Paris,

01:54the lights of the Eiffel Tower switched off to mark his passing. His papacy wasn't without

02:00controversy, including backlash over comments he made about victims of a pedophile priest in Chile,

02:06accusing them of slander. Despite that, world leaders are honouring his commitment to protecting the

02:11vulnerable. Pope Francis' compassion embraced all humanity and today he will be mourned by Catholics

02:21and non-Catholics alike. Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres described

02:27Francis as a beacon of hope, humility and humanity. The pontiff often used his voice to call for the

02:33end of war, saying it's an impossible way to create a future. He leaves behind a legacy of faith,

02:39service and compassion for all, especially those on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of

02:46conflict. When the war began between Hamas and Israel in 2023, the Pope began nightly calls to the

02:53Catholic parish in Gaza City. In his last public statement, Francis appealed for peace in Gaza,

02:59urging all parties to call for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. Palestinians in the

03:06war-torn enclave held a mass to commemorate Francis, praising him for his support.

03:11I like the way he is standing with Palestinians and his courage to talk around the world about us.

03:19Francis' body now lies in a chapel in Vatican City, awaiting a funeral that could be held as soon as

03:24this weekend. It's set to draw world leaders and Catholics from across the globe, giving millions of

03:31followers a final chance to say goodbye and to honour the legacy he leaves behind, after 12 years as their

03:37spiritual leader. Devin Tsai, Reece Ayres and Rosie Greninger for Taiwan Plus

Category

Transcript

Recommended