Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-05/celam-latin-american-bishops-general-assembly-synodality.html

Latin American Bishops fully commit to synodality
24 May 2021, 19:32

CELAM's 38th General Assembly ends with a letter to Pope Francis confirming full commitment to synodality.
By Lisa Zengarini

Meeting for its thirty-eighth General Assembly, the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) has approved with an overwhelming majority its organizational restructuring guidelines, which are expected to make its services more effective for the People of God in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The renewal process started in 2019 involving CELAM’s 22 member Episcopal Conferences with the aim of making the Church in the region more missionary, synodal and outgoing, as indicated by Pope Francis.  To this end, the Assembly, which was held online from May 18 to May 21, ratified nine reorganization and renewal principles. These include synodality, collegiality, integral conversion, being a prophetic voice, having an integral vision, effectiveness, networking, promoting decentralization, welcoming and contributing to the Magisterium of the Church.

A two-year process

At the end of the Assembly, the bishops addressed a Letter to Pope Francis in which they present “the new pastoral structure" of the body, saying it is the result of a “tremendous work” carried out over the past two years.
 

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Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-videomessage-laudato-si-platform.html
Pope on Laudato si' Platform: 'What world will we leave our children?'
25 May 2021, 11:45

Pope Francis sends a video message to launch the new Laudato si' Action Platform, bringing the Laudato si' Year to a close but continuing the battle to protect our common home.
By Vatican News staff writer

In his video message for the launch of the Laudato si’ Platform on Tuesday, Pope Francis notes that "with the Encyclical Laudato si’, promulgated in 2015, I invited all people of good will to take care of the Earth, which is our common home."

This "house that hosts us" has been suffering for a long time, from "the wounds that we cause by our predatory attitude," laments the Pope.

He highlights the fact that "the current pandemic has now brought to light in an even stronger way the cry of nature and that of the poor who suffer most the consequences, highlighting that everything is interconnected and interdependent and that our health is not separated from the health of the environment in which we live."

It is for this reason that we need "a new ecological approach," says Pope Francis. In this way we can "transform our way of dwelling in the world, our styles of life, our relationship with the resources of the Earth and, in general, our way of looking at humanity and of living life."
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247777/pope-francis-launches-7-year-laudato-si-action-plan
Pope Francis launches 7-year Laudato si’ action plan
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 25, 2021 / 08:00 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-meets-homeless-after-film-screeing.html

Pope meets homeless and refugees after film screening
25 May 2021, 12:40

At the end of the screening of the film-documentary "Francesco", the Pope met with 100 people who watched the film.

Pope Francis met briefly with 100 people who were invited to the screening of the film-documentary “Francesco” on Tuesday evening in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall, according to the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni.

The screening was organized by the director of the film, Evgeny Afineevsky and the Laudato si' Foundation.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247774/pope-francis-meets-homeless-people-and-refugees-after-film-screening
Pope Francis meets homeless people and refugees after film screening
CNA Staff, May 25, 2021 / 04:20 am
 
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said that the meeting took place at the atrium of the Paul VI Audience Hall, following the screening organized by the director and the Laudato Si’ Foundation.

He said that those present were invited to watch the film while food packages, offered by the organizers, were distributed to them.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247772/pope-francis-hints-at-imminent-changes-in-the-roman-curia

Pope Francis hints at imminent changes in the Roman Curia
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Vatican City, May 24, 2021 / 17:43 pm

Multiple sources have told CNA that Pope Francis told the Italian bishops that there will soon be a new prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, and that the appointment might come out as early as May 25.

Pope Francis met the Italian bishops as they are gathering in their 74th general assembly. Pope Francis delivered an opening address to the assembly and later held an open discussion with the bishops.

It was during this close-door session that the pope gave some preview about his upcoming decisions, and explicitly mentioned the appointment of the new prefect of the Congregation for the Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments.

The position has been vacant since the pope accepted the retirement of Robert Cardinal Sarah Feb. 20.

The candidates to replace Cardinal Sarah continue to be the same three that have been mentioned since the African cardinal's retirement.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247776/pope-francis-moves-pre-seminary-at-center-of-abuse-trial-out-of-vatican-city

Pope Francis moves pre-seminary at center of abuse trial out of Vatican City
CNA Staff, May 25, 2021 / 07:10 am

The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has decided to move a pre-seminary at the center of an abuse and cover-up trial out of Vatican City.

The Holy See press office said May 25 that the pope had told Fr. Angelo Magistrelli, rector of the St. Pius X Pre-seminary, during a recent audience that the institution would move to a new location in September.

The pre-seminary is a residence for about a dozen boys aged 12 to 18 who serve at papal Masses and other liturgies in St. Peter’s Basilica and are considering the priesthood.

The press office said: “His Holiness did not fail, on this occasion, to express his deep gratitude to Fr. Magistrelli for the work done in these 75 years since the foundation of the institution, recognizing that it retains its educational validity and asking that it may continue the appreciated liturgical service performed by the young students in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.”

“This is, therefore, a new stage in the life and activity of the St. Pius X Pre-seminary, which will undoubtedly offer it new opportunities for growth and development, especially in the area of promoting vocations to the sacred ministry.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-general-audience-catechesis-26-may.html

Pope at Audience: Your prayers are being heard, do not give up
26 May 2021, 09:40

Pope Francis continues his cycle of catechesis dedicated to Christian prayer during his Wednesday General Audience, reflecting on how at times it would seem that prayers are not responded to, but that no matter how long it takes, they are always heard.
By Vatican News staff writer

"There is a radical objection to prayer, which derives from an observation that we all make: we pray, we ask, and yet sometimes our prayers seem to go unheard: what we have asked for - for ourselves or for others - is not fulfilled", Pope Francis told the faithful at the Wednesday General Audience which was streamed live from the Vatican’s Courtyard of St. Damasus.

He noted that "if the reason for which we prayed was noble (such as intercession for the health of a sick person, or for the end of a war), the non-fulfilment seems scandalous". "If God is Father, why does He not listen to us? He who has assured us that He gives good things to the children who ask Him for them why does He not respond to our requests?", asked the Pope.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247788/pope-francis-offers-advice-for-when-prayers-seem-to-go-unanswered
Pope Francis offers advice for when prayers seem to go unanswered
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 26, 2021 / 05:05 am

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-greets-holocaust-survivor-at-general-audience.html
Pope Francis greets holocaust survivor at General Audience
26 May 2021, 15:15

"Catechesis on prayer: 35. The certainty of being heard" and video at the link--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210526_udienza-generale.html
POPE FRANCIS
GENERAL AUDIENCE
San Damaso courtyard
Wednesday, 26 May 2021

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Meetings, with videos, at the links...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-audience-president-rumen-radev-bulgaria.html
Pope Francis meets with the President of Bulgaria
27 May 2021, 14:38

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-audience-stevo-pendarovski-north-macedonia.html
Pope holds audience with President of North Macedonia
27 May 2021, 16:31

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-appointments-divine-worship-sacraments.html

Pope appoints leadership at Congregation for Divine Worship
27 May 2021, 12:36

Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Arthur Roche as the new Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, and Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola and Bishop-elect Aurelio García Marcías as the Secretary and Under-Secretary, respectively, of the same Congregation.
By Vatican News staff writer

The Holy Father on Tuesday chose new leadership for the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Pope Francis appointed a new Prefect, Secretary, and Under-Secretary of the Congregation, according to the Holy See Press Office.

Archbishop Arthur Roche, previously its Secretary, will take on the role of Prefect.

Bishop Vittorio Francesco Viola, O.F.M., until now Bishop of Tortona, becomes the Secretary, while the Pope also conferred on him the title Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Tortona.

Msgr. Aurelio García Marcías, who previously served as Office Manager at the Congregation, will now become its Under-Secretary. The Pope also assigned him the titular See of Rotdon.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247806/pope-francis-appoints-archbishop-arthur-roche-as-successor-to-cardinal-sarah
Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Arthur Roche as successor to Cardinal Sarah
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 27, 2021 / 05:37 am

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-appoints-uk-bishop-known-for-criticizing-traditional-liturgy-as-head-of-the-congregation-for-divine-worship
Pope Francis appoints UK bishop known for criticizing traditional liturgy as head of the Congregation for Divine Worship
Commenting on Twitter earlier today, Deacon Nick Donnelly described the appointment as posing a 'real and present danger' to Summorum Pontificum.
Thu May 27, 2021 - 12:30 pm EST
By Michael Haynes

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-to-conclude-month-of-prayer-with-rosary-in-vatican-gardens.html

Pope to conclude Marathon of Prayer with Rosary in Vatican Gardens
27 May 2021, 15:23

Pope Francis will lead the faithful in the prayer of the Rosary on Monday, 31 May, at the conclusion of the month-long Marathon of Prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis will lead the faithful in praying the Rosary on the last day of May, concluding a month-long Marathon of Prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resumption of social and work-related activities throughout the world.
 
Crowning of the Image

At the conclusion of the celebration on Monday evening, Pope Francis will solemnly crown the image of Mary, Untier of Knots.

The Rosary with Pope Francis will be broadcast live through all the Vatican media channels, including Vatican Radio and the Vatican News website, and will be accessible to the deaf and hearing-impaired through translation into Italian Sign Language (LIS).

A group of Marian shrines from around the world will be connected to Rome for the Rosary, ensuring a worldwide representation. The following shrines will take part: Notre Dame de Boulogne in France; Our Lady of Schoenstatt in Germany; Our Lady of Sorrows in Rwanda; the National Shrine of Maipú in Chile; Nuestra Senora de Os Gozos in Spain; the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Carfin, Scotland; the Basilica Shrine of La Virgen de los Milagros de Caacupé in Paraguay; and the parish sanctuary of Our Lady of Health in La Spezia, Italy.

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247805/cardinal-says-intercommunion-not-an-issue-in-hungary-ahead-of-international-eucharistic-congress

Cardinal says intercommunion not an issue in Hungary ahead of International Eucharistic Congress
By CNA Staff

Rome Newsroom, May 27, 2021 / 05:00 am

Unlike in Germany, there is little demand for intercommunion between Catholics and Protestants in Hungary, the cardinal hosting this year’s International Eucharistic Congress has said.

Cardinal Péter Erdő made the comment in an interview with the German monthly magazine Herder Korrespondenz after a major ecumenical event in Frankfurt culminated with the Catholic and Protestant leaders of the initiative publicly receiving communion in each others’ churches.

“On the part of the Reformed Church and the Orthodox, there is no desire in Hungary for an intercommunion that precedes the full unity of the Church,” said the cardinal, according to CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.

He added: “We perceive such a tendency on the part of some Lutheran Christians, but it is rather sporadic.”

The archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest is hosting the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress in the Hungarian capital on Sept. 5-12.
 
Pope Francis is scheduled to celebrate the closing Mass in Heroes’ Square on Sept. 12.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-apostolic-visitation-germany-cologne-abuse.html

Pope orders apostolic visitation for Archdiocese of Cologne
28 May 2021, 16:10

Pope Francis orders an apostolic visitation of the Archdiocese of Cologne, in Germany, to examine the pastoral situation and the handling of sexual abuse cases.
By Isabella Piro

Initiating an apostolic visitation of Germany’s Archdiocese of Cologne, Pope Francis has entrusted the task to Cardinal Anders Aborelius, the Bishop of Stockholm, and Bishop Johannes van den Hende of Rotterdam, president of the Dutch Bishops' Conference.

The apostolic visitors will seek to understand the Archdiocese’s handling of sexual abuse cases.

A letter from the Apostolic Nunciature in Berlin says the visitation will take place during the first half of the month of June.

“The Holy See's envoys will gain an overall picture of the Archdiocese’s complex pastoral situation and at the same time examine any errors committed by Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, as well as by the Archbishop of Hamburg, Archbishop Stefan Heße, and the auxiliaries (of Cologne), Bishops Dominikus Schwaderlapp and Ansgar Puff, regarding cases of sexual abuse.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-video-message-norma-pimentel-migrants.html

Pope Francis praises US nun for work to welcome migrants
28 May 2021, 17:08

Pope Francis sends a video message to Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, thanking her for her team’s work to welcome Latin American migrants entering the United States.
By Devin Watkins

Sr. Norma Pimentel sent a letter to the Pope on 3 May, describing the work of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which lies on the southern US border with Mexico.

In response, Pope Francis sent a video message to the Mexican-American religious sister, praising her work.

“Thank you for what you and your entire team are doing,” he said. “Thank you for welcoming and receiving these migrants who come in search of a better life. Some come to advance, while others are fleeing from true social hells.”

“Thank you, Sister,” repeated the Pope. “Thanks to your team.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-pays-tribute-to-late-armenian-catholic-patriarch-ghabroyan.html

Pope pays tribute to late Armenian Catholic Patriarch Ghabroyan
29 May 2021, 13:03

Pope Francis offers his condolences to Armenian Catholics mourning the loss of Armenian Catholic Patriarch Gregoire Pierre XX Ghabroyan, who died on Tuesday at the age of 86 in Beirut, Lebanon.
By Vatican News staff writer

In his condolence message sent on Saturday, Pope Francis praised the pastoral witness and outreach of Patriarch Ghabroyan, who headed the Armenian Patriarchate of Cilicia based in Beirut, Lebanon.

The message in French came through Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, his personal representative at the Patriarch’s funeral held in the Armenian Catholic Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator-St. Elias in Beirut, where he read the Pope’s message.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-to-vatican-athletics-amateur-sports-play-an-important-role.html

Pope to Vatican Athletics: 'Amateur sports build community spirit'
29 May 2021, 16:18

Pope Francis meets with Athletica Vaticana, the Vatican’s own sports association, which is about to compete in the athletic Championships of the Small States of Europe.
By Giampaolo Mattei

Pope Francis met on Saturday with a delegation of the Athletica Vaticana association, which on 5 June will be in the Republic of San Marino to participate in the athletic Championships of the Small States of Europe.

The delegation of the Vatican sports association, accompanied by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, was received by the Pope shortly after 11:00 am in the private library of the Apostolic Palace.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-rezando-voy-videomessage-tenth-anniversary.html

Pope Francis: 'Rezandovoy' is a true program of life
29 May 2021, 18:41

In a video message for the Jesuits in Spain, Pope Francis sends words of encouragement to “Rezandovoy” as the spiritual program celebrates a decade since its launch.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis sent a message to the “Rezandovoy” initiative for its 10th anniversary, which Spanish Jesuits are celebrating on 29 May.

“Rezandovoy” is a project of the Society of Jesus in Spain, and is coordinated by the Loyola Communications Group.

It offers audio files with prayers inspired by the liturgical texts of each day to encourage the faithful in their Christian prayers.

“For what you do: thank you, keep sowing, strive ahead with the project, which does much good. ‘Rezandovoy’ is a true program of life,” said Pope Francis.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-at-angelus-the-living-sign-of-god-the-trinity-is-love-for.html

Pope at Angelus: The living sign of God the Trinity is love for all
30 May 2021, 12:15

Pope Francis during the Sunday Angelus recalls the feast of the Most Holy Trinity which he said, “makes us contemplate this wonderful mystery of love and light from which we come and to which our earthly journey is guided.”
 By Lydia O’Kane

Pope Francis, during the Angelus from St Peter's Square recalled the feast of the Most Holy Trinity this Sunday, describing it as an immense mystery which “exceeds the capacity of our mind, but which speaks to our heart, because we find it enclosed in that expression of Saint John which sums up all of Revelation: "God is love."

He went on to says that, insofar as God is love, and the one and only one, there is also communion between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-to-meet-with-christian-leaders-from-lebanon.html
Pope Francis to meet with Christian leaders from Lebanon
30 May 2021, 13:27

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247840/pope-francis-the-holy-trinity-invites-us-to-grow-in-unity-as-christians
Pope Francis: The Holy Trinity invites us to grow in unity as Christians
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, May 30, 2021 / 06:00 am

Video at the link below--
POPE'S ANGELUS OF 30 MAY 2021
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/angelus/2021-05/pope-s-angelus-of-30-may-2021.html
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-francis-italian-basketball-federation-discipline-teamwork.html

Pope: Basketball helps young people to ‘look up’
31 May 2021, 11:10

Pope Francis highlights teamwork and discipline as important aspects of sporting activities in his address to a delegation from the Italian Basketball Federation.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis on Monday, received a delegation from the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) as it celebrates a centenary since its establishment.

Founded in 1921, the FIP is the national body for Basketball in Italy. It is a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and it is responsible for organizing competitions in Italy and the Italian basketball leagues.

Addressing the officials of the governing body, the Pope acknowledged the words of greeting from the president Giovanni Petrucci, and recalled a game played in 1955 in St. Peter’s Square in front of Pope Pius XII.

The Holy Father also underscored the relationship between the Church and the world of sport, which has been cultivated with the awareness that “both, in different ways, are at the service of the integral growth of the person and can offer a valuable contribution to our society.”
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-concludes-month-of-prayer-with-rosary-in-vatican-gardens.html
Pope concludes Month of Prayer with Rosary in Vatican Gardens
31 May 2021, 19:13

Pope Francis leads the Holy Rosary in the Vatican Gardens at the conclusion of the “Marathon of Prayer” for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resumption of work and social activities.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis was joined by first communicants and young people who have recently been confirmed, as well as by newlyweds and expecting couples, scouts, families, and religious, as he prayed the concluding Rosary for the month-long Marathon of Prayer.

Month of Prayer
At the end of April, Pope Francis asked all Catholics throughout the world to pray throughout the month of May – traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary – for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic and for a resumption of everyday work and social activities. Each day of the month, a different Marian shrine led the faithful in a Rosary that was broadcast around the world.

Pope Francis himself kicked off the Month of Prayer by leading the Rosary from St Peter’s Basilica on 1 May, praying before the image of the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help). On Monday, 31 May, the Holy Father chose the Vatican Gardens for the prayer, where an open-air Shrine was prepared for the image of Our Lady Untier of Knots, to whom the Pope has a special devotion.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247848/pope-francis-turns-to-mary-undoer-of-knots-at-end-of-rosary-marathon-for-end-to-pandemic
Pope Francis turns to Mary, Undoer of Knots, at end of rosary marathon for end to pandemic
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, May 31, 2021 / 11:30 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-05/holy-see-un-final-webinar-food-for-all-justice.html

Holy See to hold final webinar ahead of UN Food Summit
29 May 2021, 11:18

The Holy See is gearing up to hold the last of three webinars in the “Food for All” series, which will take place on Monday afternoon.
By Vatican News staff writer

The “Food for Life, Food Justice, Food for All” webinar series has been held in the runup to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit taking place in the Autumn.

The series is organized by the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, in conjunction with the Permanent Mission to FAO, IFAD, and WFP, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and the Covid-19 Commission.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247836/cardinal-cornelius-sim-has-died-at-age-69

Cardinal Cornelius Sim has died at age 69
By Courtney Mares

Rome Newsroom, May 29, 2021 / 05:30 am

Cardinal Cornelius Sim, Brunei’s vicar apostolic and first Catholic priest, died Saturday in a hospital in Taiwan.

A letter from the Apostolic Vicariate in Brunei said that Sim had been quarantined at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital since his arrival in Taiwan on May 8 to receive medical treatment.

Cardinal Sim died at 8:28 a.m. on May 29 of cardiac arrest. He was 69.

“Let us pray for his soul and for the vicariate. May his soul rest in peace,” Msgr. Robert Leong, the vicariate vicar general wrote in the cardinal’s death announcement.

Pope Francis made Sim the first cardinal in the history of Brunei in the most recent Consistory of Cardinals in November 2020. Travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented Sim from traveling to Rome for the event, which he followed live via video link.