GG SADDENED OVER POPE’S PASSING

Picture Caption: Late Pope Francis during his visit to Government House last year, met by Governor General His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae. Picture Supplied

GOVERNOR GENERAL of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae has expressed profound sadness and sorrow following news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, yesterday.

The late Pope Francis was 88 years old when

Grand Chief Sir Bob said, Pope Francis personified the values of humility, kindness, love and tolerance and was highly regarded the world over.

Grand Chief Sir Bob said, Papua New Guineans and the Catholic faithful were privileged and honoured by the late Pope Francis’ visit to the country last year, the first such visit by the head of the Catholic Church and the Christian Church in nearly 30 years.

“As a nation, we are indeed grateful that we had the privilege of having His Holiness visit our country in September of last year. I met the Holy Father at Government House when he first arrived.

I was touched by the Holy Father’s humbleness and sincerity, his genuine love and compassion for our people.

Despite his frailty and the busy program, the Pope wanted to be close to people and he exuded warmth and compassion wherever he went and to those he met.

He exemplified hope in a world in despair, the power of humility in the face of conceit, and strength in love and compassion against arrogance and superiority. May his life of service in the lord be our source of inspiration and courage as Christians, even as we mourn the loss of a much-cherished Pope of the Catholic Church,” Grand Chief Sir Bob said.