WILLEMSTAD – The Catholic community in Curaçao and the other islands of the Diocese of Willemstad is grieving the death of Pope Francis, as confirmed in an official statement by Bishop Charles Jason Gordon, the diocesan administrator. “We have lost a true shepherd,” said Gordon. “A man of incomparable depth and unwavering devotion to Christ.”
The statement, which was distributed on Sunday in four languages—English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamentu—expressed Bishop Gordon’s gratitude for the pontificate of Pope Francis. He described it as a period of humility, courage, and a commitment to the poor and marginalized.
According to Gordon, Pope Francis called the Church to be “more than ever a field hospital of mercy” and emphasized the importance of synodality: walking together in community, participation, and mission. “He kept the joy of the Gospel alive, even in one of the most complex times in our history.”
The Diocese of Willemstad will soon organize a memorial liturgy to celebrate the life of Pope Francis. A date for the event has yet to be announced. Gordon urged believers to pray for the late pope, saying, “He always asked us to pray for him. Let us now do that together.”