The longest trip of Francis' papacy was a 12-day tour of the region that brought him to a remote jungle in Papua New Guinea and the world’s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia. In 2015, he led a mass that drew more than six million devotees in the Philippines.

Manila

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis Dies

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, left a significant impact on Asia through his numerous visits and engagements with diverse religious communities across the region. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis made annual trips to Asian countries, where Catholics are often a minority, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and interfaith dialogue. One of his most memorable visits occurred in 2015 when he led a mass for over six million Catholics in Manila, Philippines, despite the challenging weather. This act of empathy resonated deeply with the Filipino people, especially those affected by a devastating typhoon.

Pope Francis' 12-day tour of Asia, the longest of his papacy, underscored his dedication to fostering understanding among different faiths. His itinerary included a visit to the world’s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia, where he met with religious leaders at Southeast Asia's largest mosque in Jakarta, emphasizing the importance of all religions. In South Korea, he made a poignant appeal for unity on the Korean Peninsula, and in Bangladesh, he offered comfort to Rohingya refugees.

Although Pope Francis never visited China, he addressed the country's government indirectly during a visit to Mongolia in 2023, asserting that governments should not fear the Catholic Church. This statement coincided with an extension of an agreement between the Vatican and China regarding the appointment of bishops. Following Pope Francis' passing, the Philippines declared a period of national mourning, reflecting the profound grief felt across the region. The discussions about his successor include speculation about an Asian cardinal, with Manila's former Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle being a potential candidate.



The indelible mark Pope Francis left on Asia

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Pope Francis Dies