Archbishop Sione Ulu'ilakepa's message at the time of His Holiness Pope Francis' passing follows below.

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It is with deep sadness that I, Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa, share the news of the recent passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Today, as we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate the profound impact he has made on our faith communities and the world at large. 

Pope Francis was more than a spiritual leader; he was a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and compassion. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds demonstrated a remarkable commitment to fostering unity and understanding among different faith traditions. His fervent dedication to addressing the issues of our time, particularly poverty, climate change, and human rights, has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire us all. 

In 2024, I had the distinct honour of meeting Pope Francis during the gathering of Primates of the Anglican Communion in Rome. This unforgettable encounter reaffirmed my belief in the essential role that inter-religious dialogue plays in building a more compassionate world. Pope Francis's vision for unity among all Christians and beyond was made evident in our conversation together with the concern for the effects of climate change on the people of the Pacific Ocean, and I felt a profound sense of hope as we discussed our shared commitment to serve the marginalized and advocate for stewardship of God’s creation. 

As members of the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia, we stand in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters in Oceania, especially Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi of the Catholic Church of Tonga and Niue; Archbishop Peter Loy Chong and the Metropolitan Diocese of Fiji; Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui and the Archdiocese of Samoa; and also Bishop Simon Samendra Mani and the catholic church of Tarawa and Nauru. We recognize that this loss is felt deeply within the Catholic Church and beyond, and we offer our prayers and support during this difficult time. 

Let us honour Pope Francis's legacy by carrying forth his message of love, inclusivity, mercy in our own lives and communities; and our stewardship of God’s creation. In these trying times, may we strive to uplift one another and work towards reconciliation, thereby fulfilling his call for unity among all God's children. 

We invite all members of our communities to join us in prayer and reflection as we celebrate the life of a remarkable leader and continue his mission of love and service. 

Yours in Christ, 

The Most Revd Sione S. Uluilakepa 

Archbishop & Primate in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia 

Bishop of Polynesia