expressed on Monday its deepest sorrow, yet marked by hope and faith, following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away today at the age of 88.
"The Peruvian Episcopal Conference, in unity with the entire Catholic people, expresses its deep sorrow, yet one marked by hope and faith that Pope Francis always shared and taught us," the CEP stated in a communiqué.
The group highlighted the "beautiful summary" of the Supreme Pontiff's mission. It was delivered by the Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy See upon announcing the Pope's passing.
"His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized," the Episcopal Conference recalled from the cardinal's message.
The CEP added that Francis died after Easter Sunday "when Jesus conquered death and evil, God has called our beloved Pope Francis to His side."
Likewise, it stated that Peruvians remember with "affection, loyalty, and gratitude" the Supreme Pontiff's visit to the Andean country in 2018, during which he traveled to Puerto Maldonado, Trujillo, and Lima.
"His presence, welcomed by a multitude of faithful, confirmed our faith, reaffirmed our concern for the most humble, innocent, and vulnerable, and rekindled the fire of our hope," it pointed out.
"We thank the Holy Father for all his generous dedication and ask that the Church continues to carry out all the synodal projects he was able to intensify, guide, and propose, so that we may have a Church that is up to the challenges of the world's difficult situation," the cardinal said in a voice message shared on his YouTube channel.
He also expressed gratitude "for the immense joy" that Catholics have received "from the constant presence of the Holy Father, who worked for the Church and for humanity until the last day."