Prime Minister Browne expresses condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – 22nd April 2025……Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne has written to Bishop of St. John’s-Basseterre, The Most Rev. Robert Llanos expressing condolences on the passing of the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis who died on Monday.

In his letter to Bishop Llanos, Prime Minister Browne noted that the death of Pope Francis is an immense loss not only to the Roman Catholic Church but to the global community. “His life was a testament to the power of humility, mercy, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Christ. From the moment of his election, Pope Francis captured the hearts of millions with his simplicity, his openness, and his courageous voice in defense of the marginalized, the poor, and the voiceless. His papacy was marked by a renewed call to love, justice, and dialogue across all boundaries,” the country’s leader wrote.

Prime Minister Browne also outlined that Pope Francis inspired a spirit of renewal and compassion within the Church, while exemplifying the virtues of listening, discernment, and servant leadership. He said that the Pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and care for the environment has left a profound and lasting impact.

“For us in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Pope Francis’ stance on environmental issues has been a beacon of hope as we continue our pursuit of Climate Justice. His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’ (“Praise Be to You”), stands as a groundbreaking appeal to humanity to care for our common home—the Earth. Rooted in Scripture, theology, science, and the wisdom of his predecessors, the encyclical introduces the concept of integral ecology, highlighting the deep interconnection between environmental, economic, and social systems,” he said.

The country’s leader said that the Pope’s writings on Climate Change was more than a critique of unsustainable practices calling for dialogue and collective action. “It transcends religious boundaries, urging all people to take responsibility for the well-being of our planet and each other. His Holiness’ call for global cooperation, meaningful lifestyle changes, and a transition to sustainable practices mirrors the longstanding advocacy of SIDS. Like us, he challenged individuals, communities, governments, and the private sector to work together in safeguarding the only planet we all share,” concluded Prime Minister Browne.

We reproduce below the full text of Prime Minister Browne’s letter to Bishop Llanos:

The Most Reverend Bishop Robert A. Llanos
Bishop of Saint John’s-Basseterre
Holy Family Cathedral
Michael’s Mount, St. John
Antigua and Barbuda

Your Excellency, Bishop Robert Llanos,

On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to you and to the Catholic faithful across our nation and the Diocese of Saint John’s-Basseterre, on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The death of Pope Francis is an immense loss not only to the Roman Catholic Church but to the global community. His life was a testament to the power of humility, mercy, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Christ. From the moment of his election, Pope Francis captured the hearts of millions with his simplicity, his openness, and his courageous voice in defense of the marginalized, the poor, and the voiceless. His papacy was marked by a renewed call to love, justice, and dialogue across all boundaries.

During his time as the successor of Saint Peter, Pope Francis inspired a spirit of renewal and compassion within the Church, while exemplifying the virtues of listening, discernment, and servant leadership. His commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and care for the environment has left a profound and lasting impact.

For us in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Pope Francis’ stance on environmental issues has been a beacon of hope as we continue our pursuit of Climate Justice. His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’ (“Praise Be to You”), stands as a groundbreaking appeal to humanity to care for our common home—the Earth. Rooted in Scripture, theology, science, and the wisdom of his predecessors, the encyclical introduces the concept of integral ecology, highlighting the deep interconnection between environmental, economic, and social systems.

More than a critique of unsustainable practices, Laudato Si’ is a visionary call to dialogue and collective action. It transcends religious boundaries, urging all people to take responsibility for the well-being of our planet and each other. His Holiness’ call for global cooperation, meaningful lifestyle changes, and a transition to sustainable practices mirrors the longstanding advocacy of SIDS. Like us, he challenged individuals, communities, governments, and the private sector to work together in safeguarding the only planet we all share.

Your Excellency, I join you and the faithful in mourning the passing of this remarkable and holy man. I pray that God may grant him eternal rest in the company of the saints, and that the light he brought into the world may continue to shine in our hearts and actions.

In this time of sorrow, may the Holy Spirit bring comfort to you, to the clergy and faithful of your diocese, and to all those who looked to Pope Francis as a spiritual father and moral guide. May his memory remain a blessing and an enduring source of inspiration.

With heartfelt sympathy and prayers,

Gaston A. Browne, MP
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda