‘His absence leaves a big hole in our hearts’

 By Jayvee Vallejera

The titular head of the Catholic Church in Guam and both chief executives of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have added their voices to the outpouring of grief, prayers and condolences for the passing of Pope Francis, who died Monday morning at his residence in Rome.

Archbishop Ryan Jimenez, who was appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Agana in July last year, said in a statement that Guam’s Catholic Church joins many others worldwide in mourning Pope Francis’ passing.

"His absence already leaves a big hole in our hearts," Jimenez said.

It was Pope Francis who appointed Jimenez to the Archdiocese of Agana, soon after Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes stepped down from the role due to an illness.

"Even as we hang our heads in sorrow however, we do so with fervent prayer and deep gratitude to our loving God for the gift of this holy man, Jorge Mario Bergoglio," said Jimenez.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at 7:35 Monday (about past 3 p.m. Monday, Guam time) at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. He was 88.

His death was announced in a video statement on Monday by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell. The cause of the pope’s death has not been shared yet. The announcement came about two hours after the pontiff's death.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said the pope’s passing during the Easter season—which she described as a time of renewal and reflection—"feels especially poignant.”

“It invites us to pause and consider how we can carry forward the values he championed: kindness, dignity, and care for one another," said Leon-Guerrero in a statement. "On behalf of the people of Guam, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who mourn his loss."

She credits the pontiff with leaving behind a “powerful legacy that will continue to shape the way we lead, live, and connect with each other.”

Gov. Arnold Palacios of the CNMI joined the local Marianas community and others in the global population in mourning the pope’s passing. 

In a statement, Palacios praised the pope’s leadership of the Catholic Church, saying it ushered a “culture of compassion and moral courage.”

“Pope Francis continually used his international platform to advocate for and speak for marginalized populations and vulnerable groups,” said Palacios  

He said that the pope's teachings have guided the CNMI’s predominantly Catholic families, helped shape its culture, and inspired hope in times of hardship. 

He urged the Marianas community to commemorate and honor the pope’s memory.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and let us, as an island community with strong religious convictions, honor his memory by living out the values he championed: love, humility, and service to one another,” he added.

About 87 percent of the population in Guam and 64.1 percent of the population in the Northern Marianas identify as Catholics. 

In his statement, Jimenez recalled Pope Francis’ recent grave illness, which resulted in him being hospitalized for 38 days—the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy, according to the Associated Press. The pope had only just been discharged from the Gemilli Hospital on March 23.

"Our merciful God granted the pope and all of us a period of preparation, prayer and contemplation regarding the possibility of his death which has come true due to prolonged illness. We thank the Lord for that blessing in the midst of our tears," said Jimenez.

He assured the archdiocese will be keeping the Catholic faithful in Guam informed of any updates he may get from the Vatican.

"Have faith in the Holy Spirit and please remember our beloved Holy Father in your prayers," Jimenez added.

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Pope Francis became the pope in March 2013.

In American Samoa, Del. Amata Radewagen said the pope's death "is also a time of personal and private reflection."

"I am saddened to learn of his passing, yet grateful for his many years of life and

leadership, as he presided over the immense global efforts of the church in

worship but also charity and education," she said.

"In time, there will be books written of his work, accomplishments and priorities, especially his heart for the world’s people struggling with poverty. Today, we are simply thankful for him, and join millions of Catholic families in mourning this loss. It is meaningful that he was able to complete Easter this year. May much good come of this extended reflection on his life, so soon after our Easter time of renewal in faith and love.”