Pope Francis died on Monday at the Vatican. He was 88 years old. Francis was known for his modest lifestyle and approachable personality. He supported many social causes, such as abolishing nuclear weapons and ending capital punishment. In 2019, he became the first pontiff to visit Japan in 38 years. People in Japan and across Asia are mourning his passing.
Beacon of hope
Japan has about 440,000 Catholics. The news broke as people were finishing up the workday. Mourners came to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo to pay their respects, praying silently. Pope Francis visited the cathedral during his trip to Japan six years ago.
Woman visiting the cathedral
His death was somewhat expected but it’s still a shock. I come here often for mass and decided to come tonight to pray for Francis. He was a beacon of hope, someone who supported me during difficult times. Despite my sadness, I’m also trying to keep up my spirits, I think that’s what Francis would have wanted.
At the World Expo in Osaka, the Vatican flag is being flown at half-mast. Many visitors are writing messages in books of condolence placed at the site.
The Vatican flag at half-mast
Advocate of abolishing nuclear weapons
Survivors of the atomic bombings in Japan are among those grieving the loss of the pope. When Francis visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2019, he called for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Survivor Kajimoto Yoshiko, now 94 years old, spoke with the pope during the visit.
Kajimoto Yoshiko with Pope Francis
Kajimoto says Pope Francis shook her hand. She says he was very warm — like a father. She remembers clearly that he said people cannot call for peace while possessing nuclear weapons. She says she intends to pass on his message for as long as she can do so.
Pope Francis in Hiroshima, 2019
Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Yuzaki Hidehiko released a statement saying: “Currently, the international community is facing an extremely difficult security environment, and tensions surrounding nuclear weapons have reached unprecedented levels. It is precisely in times like these that we must reflect on the weight of the words spoken by the pope in Hiroshima: ‘How can we propose peace if we constantly invoke the threat of nuclear war as a legitimate recourse for the resolution of conflicts? May the abyss of pain endured here remind us of boundaries that must never be crossed.’
Hiroshima remains committed to striving for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of sustainable peace. We express our deepest respect for the pope’s lifelong contributions and extend our condolences.”
‘The death penalty is inadmissible’
The pope’s compassion has touched many people around the world, including a man in Japan who was acquitted after spending decades on death row.
Pope Francis revised the Catholic Church’s teachings in 2018 and declared capital punishment unacceptable in all cases. He spearheaded efforts to abolish capital punishment around the world.
Hakamada Iwao was accused of killing a family of four in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1966 and given the death penalty. But in a retrial last year he was acquitted.
The 89-year-old spent nearly half a century behind bars, and was baptized during that time. He was invited to a mass held in Tokyo when the pope visited Japan in 2019.
In February this year, at the pope’s request, a letter and a rosary were sent from the Vatican to Hakamada to celebrate his acquittal.
Hakamada Iwao and his sister attending mass in Tokyo
His older sister, Hideko, commented on the pope’s death: “I had heard that he was hospitalized, but I was surprised to hear of his sudden passing. I am deeply grateful that he invited us to the mass and showed concern beyond that as well. It was truly reassuring.”
Reactions from leaders of Asia-Pacific nations
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. released a statement saying: “The Filipinos will always remember Pope Francis and his call to the Filipino faithful to reinvigorate daily their zeal to connect with and reach out to those in the margins, and to work collectively to protect the environment. I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned.” Over 80% of the population of the Philippines is Catholic, making it the largest Christian country in Asia.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te posted on social media, saying, “We will continue to draw inspiration from his lifelong commitment to peace, global solidarity, and caring for those in need.” The Vatican is the only European state that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement saying the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere had “a love for humanity” that was “powerful and profound.”
He concluded the statement by quoting the final Easter homily by the pope: “The light quietly shines forth, even though we are in darkness; the promise of new life and a world finally set free awaits us; and a new beginning, however impossible it might seem, can take us by surprise, for Christ has triumphed over death.”
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AloJapan.com