Sri Lankan President pays tribute to the late Pope
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on behalf of Sri Lanka and its citizens, has expressed condolences over the demise of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.
“It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness @Pontifex, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. His unwavering commitment to peace, compassion and humanity has left an indelible mark on the world. May his legacy of compassion, justice, and interfaith harmony continue to inspire generations to come,” the President said in a message on ‘X’. Issuing a statement, the Vatican said Pope Francis had died a day after making an appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.The 88-year-old pontiff gave the traditional Easter blessing on Sunday, appearing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in front of delighted crowds, which was his last appearance.
Pope Francis, who spent 38 days in hospital with double pneumonia, where he came close to death, is unable to speak for long periods due to his respiratory difficulties and was undergoing physiotherapy to help regain his voice, while he also has difficulty raising his arms.
But on Easter Sunday, he was able to offer the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the “City [of Rome] and to the World” while an aide read his address. Only the pope can offer this blessing, which includes the offer of an indulgence, a remission for the effects of sins.
His voice sounded weak, but he appeared without the nasal canula he had been wearing to receive oxygen as he said, “Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter.” He later greeted cheering crowds in St. Peter’s Square from the popemobile, the first time he had done so since his hospitalization
