Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, calling him “a person who really represents Jesus Christ.”

In a special message issued today (22), Cardinal Ranjith described the late pontiff as a spiritual leader who transformed the global image of the Catholic Church through a life dedicated to justice, truth, and compassion especially for the poor and downtrodden.

He praised Pope Francis’s legacy of love and advocacy for the marginalised, urging people of all faiths to pray for his soul, and fondly recalled the Pope’s pastoral visit to Sri Lanka, including his journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu.

Cardinal Ranjith emphasised the Pope’s unwavering attachment to the poor and his embodiment of Christian values, stating, “He is a person who truly represented Jesus Christ.”

He concluded with a prayer, invoking blessings and eternal rest for the late Holy Father.