Memorial Mass for Pope with a Heart for 'the Poor, Voiceless and Oppressed'

Event packed with worshippers, dignitaries and representatives from various faiths

- Joakim Kang

A memorial mass for Pope Francis was held on April 22 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Queen Street.

The 1:15 pm mass was celebrated by Cardinal William Goh, who is also Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Singapore. The cathedral, which can seat up to 900 people, was packed, with dozens of worshippers standing outside.

Some parishioners had changed their plans to attend the mass.

Dignitaries from Timor-Leste, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil also attended. Representatives from the Inter-Religious Organisation, which represents 10 faiths in Singapore, were present.

Pope Francis, 88, died on April 21 at his Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. He died of a stroke, resulting in a coma and irreversible heart failure. His death certificate revealed that he had Type 2 diabetes, which was not previously known.

He was in office for 12 years.

During his homily, Cardinal Goh praised Pope Francis for being a man who reached out to people of all faiths.

He said: "Pope Francis never stopped speaking on behalf of the poor, the voiceless and oppressed.