Kuala Lumpur: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, will represent the Malaysian Government in signing the book of condolences for the late Pope Francis at the Vatican Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the government will also send a minister to represent Malaysia at Pope Francis’ funeral, scheduled to be held this Saturday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these decisions were made during today’s Cabinet meeting. Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, conveyed that the Cabinet extended its condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, expressed his high regard for Pope Francis, highlighting his advocacy on issues such as Gaza.

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He reportedly suffered from long-term health issues, including breathing difficulties akin to asthma, linked to thrombocytopenia, a deficiency of blood platelets.