Srilanka, April 22 -- Following is a message from the Archdiocese of Colombo on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis yesterday:

The Archdiocese of Colombo joins the Universal Church in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who returned to the house of the Father on Easter Monday, morning, at the age of 88.

The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from the Pope's residence at the Casa Santa Marta. His Eminence expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for the Holy Father's faithful witness to the Gospel and his lifelong dedication to the service of Christ and His Church.

Pope Francis had been battling a respiratory illness for several weeks, having been hospitalised in February ...