By Kaelanne Jordan
mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org
Regional leaders and bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference have offered statements on the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada called on the faithful to reflect on and “treasure the legacy” left by the late Pope.
In a video message via Good News Catholic Communications, Bishop Harvey described the pontiff as “one of the greatest popes” who had been entrusted with a “tremendous task.”
“He was called to the office when the world was changing rapidly and Church had to respond with the joy of Christ, the joy of the Gospel as he called it,” Bishop Harvey recalled.
He added that Pope Francis did “a lot of work” over his 12 years in office and emphasised that Catholics “must treasure the legacy he leaves us.”
Bishop Harvey also noted a difficult decision made in light of the Pope’s death: all Easter celebrations in the diocese would be postponed “until further notice.”
“I’m simply asking you to be considerate in this regard because if you were preparing a birthday party for your father and your mother died you would cancel the party,” he said.
He urged faithful to pray for Pope Francis’ eternal repose and added, “Everyone from pope to peasant is in need of the mercy of God…we also pray that God might raise up the leader we need for these difficult times in our Church.”
Bishop Kendrick Forbes of Roseau, Dominica joined the Universal Church in mourning “a man of humility and compassion” who left “a record of advocacy on behalf of the poor, the forgotten, the marginalised and the weak.” “He modelled strength in simplicity,” Bishop Forbes stated in his announcement.
He praised the Pope’s faithfulness to his calling, saying, “Pope Francis exercised the Petrine Office in fidelity to the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd.”
Pope Francis, Bishop Forbes underscored, was a constant voice urging nations and peoples to foster peace. He recalled in his Apostolic Blessing on Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing, the Pope had once again called for peace.
“Pope Francis was a cultivator of the seeds of the Gospel and a tireless missionary disciple. His life radiated with the joy of the Gospel. He was a true pilgrim of hope, holding firm to the hope that does not disappoint,” Bishop Forbes said. He expressed hope that the witness of his faith be an inspiration to all and the Easter faith of the Church, “be our source of consolation and comfort.”
Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown, Guyana, in a video shared via the Catholic Media Guyana Facebook page, remembered the pontiff’s “humility” and “simplicity,” especially evident in his lifestyle.
“His manner and demeanour was always cordial and encouraging,” he said.
He called Pope Francis’ leadership “exemplary”, noting the Pope “clearly articulated the ways we are called to be church in the world in our time.”
Describing the Pope’s writings and encyclicals as “rich, profound”, Bishop Alleyne said the Holy Father addressed modern realities “in practical terms.”
He highlighted the Pope’s approach to recent synods: “The methodology, content and inclusivity that he brought to recent synods: I think of the Synod on Family, the Synod on the Amazon, the Synod on Synodality, prompted new and fuller ways of listening, of discerning together as a church, coming to the truths.”
Bishop Alleyne added, “I believe that his writings and teachings will continue to serve the Church and the world in wonderful ways in the years to come.”
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley shared that the world feels like “a lonely place” with the Pope’s passing. For her, Pope Francis was the beacon of global, moral, strategic leadership.
“… it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me during the dark and desolate days of the Covid-19 pandemic, as I worked with others to lead Barbados through that period of grave uncertainty. He was, in every sense, my hero,” Mottley said.
She shared she was later “humbled” to have spent time with him late last year, where he reinforced in her the importance of always aligning one’s hearts, heads, and hands with faith.
“His voice comforted and inspired many. His hands led him to places where others dared not go, and his heart knew no boundaries. His humour and his laughter were not only infectious but calming,” she said.
The PM commented if we dare to live with heart, to serve with courage, humility, and to love without borders—then Pope Francis “still walks among us.”
