Kota Kinabalu: The passing of Pope Francis is a great loss to Catholics not only in Malaysia but globally, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed that the world mourns the passing of a truly noble spiritual leader known for his humility, compassion, and wisdom. “On behalf of the state government and the people of Sabah, I extend our heartfelt condolences to all Catholics in your hour of grief,” he stated in a message released today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He had been enduring various health issues for a considerable time, including ‘asthma-like respiratory crises’ associated with thrombocytopenia.