Pope Francis去世：新西兰总理 paying tribute to him

According to Vatican City news, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, held a memorial service for the cardinal.

The cardinal's passing was announced by the Vatican City's Vatican Website on April 1 evening. Luxon expressed his deep sorrow over the cardinal's death and highlighted his commitment to serving vulnerable populations, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.

Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand, also shared his condolences on social media, emphasizing Pope Francis' dedication to compassion and social justice during his tenure. He noted that the cardinal's leadership inspired people to envision a more equitable and compassionate world.

Winston Peters, acting Prime Minister of New Zealand, expressed deep sorrow in a tweet, wishing the Roman Catholic Church and the world peace with the memory of this great saint.

Helen Clark also shared her condolences on social media, expressing her respect for Pope Francis as the first Latin American cardinal and wishing him rest in peace.

Pope Francis has been battling serious health issues recently. In February, he was admitted to a Vatican hospital after suffering from pneumonia but later recovered and returned to his hometown of Lusaka, Zambia, where he celebrated Easter.

The cardinal's death comes shortly after news broke that Prime Minister Chris Luxon would be visiting King Charles III in the United Kingdom. The timing could not have been more fitting given the recent sad news.