By: Nicholas Bass
Fathers Carlos Berro Indurain and Juan Carlos Saldiviero, resident priests of Kunkunjang Mariama diocese, have described the late Pope Francis as both exemplary and legendary.
The duo said the late pontiff is worthy of emulation as he served the human family to the best of his ability during his earthly priestly service.
The Spanish-born father Carlos Berro Induráin, alias Father Carlos II, who has served as resident priest of Kunkunjang Mariama for four decades now, said the late Roman Catholic Pope has helped various people globally, especially the marginalized, poor, and victims of wars.
‘’Pop Francis’s death is not a surprise, for he was not in good health,’’ Father Induráin told The Voice in an interview.
Father Induráin, however, described Pope Francis’s death as comforting, adding that his death in the month of Easter, which depicts Jesus Christ’s resurrection, is a joyful passage into God’s eternal presence.
According to the Spanish priest, Pope Francis lived a life of good example in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, marginalized, and victims of war by having personal contact with his audience.
He emphasized that people should be happy and glad at his demise, noting that the pontiff will find hope in Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
For his part, Father Juan Carlos Saldiviero, however, described Pope Francis’s death as sad and a great loss, noting that he was a role model to the world. Father Saldiviero said the late Pope was a wonderful person, who led with great charisma, holiness, and righteousness to the “Lord Jesus Christ”.
‘’Pope Francis was a source of joy for many,’’ he added, stressing that he was very courageous in defending the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Kunjang Mariama Diocese priest noted that Pope Francis has been a good shepherd for the church, emphasizing that the deceased was a lover of justice, who advocated for justice for victims across the world. Father Saldiviero stated that Pope Francis always wanted to be near his subjects. He encouraged Christians to thank God for preserving Pope Francis till his death, aged 88.