Catholics across Thailand joined the global Church in mourning Pope Francis on Easter Tuesday, a day after the pontiff’s death was announced in the Vatican.
His papacy, defined by humility, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for the marginalized, left an enduring mark on the global Church — and on Thailand.
In a respectful gesture of national mourning, the Thai government, in this predominantly Buddhist nation, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for three days to honor the pope who once walked among its people.
In a message of condolence, the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, paid tribute to Pope Francis, noting the deep bond forged during the pontiff’s 2019 apostolic visit.
“His tireless efforts in undertaking an apostolic visit to Thailand were no less than the journey of a true and ancient friend of the Thai nation,” the Supreme Patriarch said.
“His visit to me stood as a most auspicious act, one that shortened the distance between us, dispelled misunderstanding, transformed unfamiliarity into kinship, and soothed suspicion into sincere solidarity,” he added.
On Tuesday evening, mourners gathered at Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok for a solemn Mass in memory of the late pope.
Before the Eucharistic celebration, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) held a press conference to express their tribute.
“With hearts full of sorrow but also deep love and reverence, we extend our condolences on the passing of Pope Francis,” said Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, CBCT president and Archbishop of Bangkok.
“He was a beacon of hope in a confused world and a proclaimer of Christ’s love through a humble and compassionate life,” he added.
Archbishop Vira recalled Pope Francis’ steadfast appeals for peace in conflict zones such as Gaza and Ukraine, and his enduring defense of human dignity. “His Holiness urged world leaders to use their power to build peace and brotherhood.”
The prelate also reflected on the pope’s 2019 visit to Thailand, during which he met with religious leaders, youth, and the faithful.
“He brought the power of love and faith to our land,” said Archbishop Vira. “His message to the youth — ‘Do not be afraid to dream’ — continues to inspire us.”
Despite his declining health in recent months, Pope Francis remained fully engaged in the life of the Church. “He never abandoned the Church,” Archbishop Vira said to the press. “He journeyed with the Church in prayer and suffering until the very end.”
Father John Bosco Suwat Luangsaard, Deputy Secretary-General of the CBCT, announced that Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Books of condolences will be available daily at the Assumption Cathedral and the Apostolic Nunciature, and online for those unable to visit in person.
Another solemn Mass in English in memory of the late pope, presided over by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, will be celebrated on Friday evening for the diplomatic corps, government officials, religious leaders, and international organizations.
In a statement, the Apostolic Nunciature described Pope Francis as a “tireless voice for the voiceless” whose papacy bore faithful witness to the Gospel. “From the slums to the global stage, he championed the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten, reminding the world that the Church is a home for all — where no one is left behind.”
Among those grieving is 83-year-old Sr. Ana Rosa Sivori, a Salesian missionary in Thailand and Pope Francis’ second cousin.
“We have the same great-grandfather,” she told LiCAS News as she prepared to travel to Rome today (Wednesday) for the funeral. “I was shocked and saddened. I thought he was recovering, and I also hoped that once he got better, he might finally take time to rest.”
Sr. Ana, who has served in Thailand for nearly six decades, spoke warmly of her cousin’s character: “Pope Francis had a strong will. He listened to those who disagreed with him in order to understand them. His determination was always to call and campaign for peace.”
“Perhaps God has called the Pope home because He knows that true peace on earth can only be achieved through individual efforts and collective actions. Now, it’s up to each of us to contribute to this noble cause in our own way, wherever we are,” the missionary sister added.
Even in his final weeks, Pope Francis remained connected to those in distress. He continued what had become a near-nightly ritual: calling Palestinian Christians sheltering in the only Roman Catholic church in war-torn Gaza.
According to a Vatican statement, Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, following a long hospitalization for double pneumonia. He passed away peacefully on Monday morning, after suffering a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
As the world mourns, Thailand remembers a pope who made the Gospel come alive — a shepherd who walked with the lowly, a friend of all faiths, and a man whose memory will live on in the hearts of many.
Mourners gathered at Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok for a solemn Mass
in memory of the Pope Francis, April 22, 2024. (Photos by Catholic Social Communications of Thailand)
