Caribbean Leaders Offer Heartfelt Tributes After Death of Pope Francis
by Karen Rollins Apr 22, 2025
Several Caribbean leaders have joined their counterparts around the world in offering tributes to Pope Francis who died on Monday 21 April at the age of 88.
CARICOM Chair and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley described the Pope as “a hero” to her. In a statement on Instagram, she said: “The world today feels like a lonely place with the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. For me, Pope Francis was the beacon of global moral strategic leadership.
“I confess that it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me through 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.
Ms Mottley added: “I was later humbled to have spent time with him late last year, where he reinforced in me the importance of always aligning our hearts, our heads, and our hands with our faith – to see, hear, and feel all people, so that we may help them, and to protect our planet.”
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali expressed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Guyana to “the global Catholic community and especially the Faithful of our local diocese.”
He further stated: “Pope Francis’s election to the papacy, twelve years ago, generated a wave of excitement, especially considering that he was first person from the Americas to become Pope. His papacy sparked important conversations about acceptance and belonging within the Church. The recent synod that he convened has laid the foundational stones for a new way of being Church…
“Pope Francis was a shepherd of compassion and conscience. His pontificate has had far-reaching impacts, and assures him of a revered place in the history of the papacy and the course of human history. May he rest in eternal splendour!”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said he was “truly saddened” by the death of the Pope. He described Pope Francis as an advocate for change using his papacy “to highlight issues of fairness, equity, climate change and more.”
Mr Holness added: “His quiet humility endeared millions to his style and to a deeper belief in God.
“His death came at the end of the holiest period in the Christian calendar, with him making an appearance on resurrection Sunday reflects the Pope’s dedication to duty and to the people.
“Pope Francis has influenced and touched the lives of millions in every corner of the world.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Stuart Young, posted a tribute on Facebook and remembered Pope Francis as a “great and humble leader”. He also recalled the Pope’s commitment to speaking up on behalf of people on the margins of society and his advocacy for action in relation to climate change.
“Pope Francis focused on uplifting the poor and vulnerable and in the modern world was known for his desire for peace and the promotion of international diplomacy,” Mr Stuart stated.
“He approached modern topics with an open mind and was not afraid to suggest a need for change. He was a known advocate for action on climate change and showed genuine concern with regard to the treatment of migrants and often called for more protection for migrants and others who found themselves in vulnerable circumstances.”
Pope Francis will be buried on Saturday 26 April. Several world leaders, including some from the Caribbean, are expected to attend.
