Manila, April 22 -- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a region with a Muslim-majority population, has joined the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

"In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters, and we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society where peace and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our existence," BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said in a message released on Tuesday.

He conveyed the region's "deepest condolences to the Catholic Church, our Catholic residents within the Bangsamoro region, and to all who are grieving the loss of Pope Francis."

He noted that the news of Pope Francis's passing brings profound sa...