People attend a mass in Notre-Dame Cathedral to honour Pope Francis following his death in Paris. Photo: AFP / DIMITAR DILKOFF
The Northern Marianas has joined the Catholic world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
The pope has died at Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse near St. Peter's Basilica where he has lived since his election in 2013, aged 88.
In the evening of Easter Monday Vatican time - Tuesday morning in the Marianas and Guam - the rite of the Declaration of Death took place at The Vatican, and the late pope's body was placed in his coffin.
He will lie in state for three days at St Peter's Basilica.
Chalan Kanoa diocese bishop, Romeo Convocar said the Pope "challenged us to serve the most vulnerable and inspired a new era of faith, inspiring us to walk together as a synodal church".
"As we mourn Pope Francis' passing, let us remember that Pope Francis' leadership transformed the church with compassion, humility, and mercy."
Chalan Kanoa diocese bishop, Romeo Convocar Photo: Supplied
Bishop Convocar - who is the head of the Catholic church in the CNMI - said the memorial service in the Chalan Kanoa diocese for the repose of Pope Francis' soul will be announced later.
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The governor, Arnold Palacios said the late Pope's leadership of the Catholic church 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."
He said in the predominantly Catholic islands of the Marianas, Pope Francis' teachings have guided families, helped shaped culture, and inspired hope in times of hardship.
Over in Guam, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and her deputy Josh Tenorio issued a statement saying Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy that will "continue to shape the way we lead, live, and connect with each other".
"Not only was he the head of the Catholic church, but he was also a global leader who often took bold stances on world issues, bringing a perspective shaped by his strong Christian values and principles," they said.
"His passing during the Easter season, a time that reminds us 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."
Photo: DOMENICO CIPPITELLI
Guam's Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña Ryan Jimenez said his flock joins the rest of the church and many others worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
"His absence already leaves a big hole in our hearts...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."
Pope Francis visited Papua New Guinea in September last year, and called for better treatement of workers, an end to the spate of violence, and sustainable use of resources.
This year, Pope Francis approved canonisation of PNG's first saint, the martyred layman Blessed Peter To Rot.
A faithful Catholic prays at Basilica San Jose de Flores in Buenos Aires. Photo: AFP / LUIS ROBAYO
World leaders are paying tribute to the late pope, including the New Zealand and Australian prime ministers.
In a post to the official Instagram account of the Royal Family, King Charles said he and wife Camilla were "most deeply saddened".
King Charles said Pope Francis will be remembered "for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others".
CNN reported US President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a "mark of respect for the memory" of the pope.
Commenting on the pope's legacy, Trump said: "He's a very good man who loved the world. And he especially loved people that were having a hard time. And that's good with me."
