To:
The Most Reverend Christopher Cardone, OP
Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara
And all members of the Roman Catholic Church in Solomon Islands

Dear Archbishop Cardone,

Grace and peace be with you in the name of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the Council of Bishops, the General Secretary, clergy, members of our religious orders, and lay members of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, both in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and parts of New Caledonia; I write to convey our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you, and to all our Christian fraternal in the Roman Catholic Church in Solomon Islands, following the solemn passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

We join with you in mourning the loss of His Holiness, a faithful shepherd and global spiritual father whose life and ministry inspired countless people around the world. Pope Francis will be remembered as a humble servant leader of Christ, a voice for the poor and marginalized, and a courageous advocator for peace, mercy, and justice in an increasingly broken world.

As a Province of the worldwide Anglican Communion, ACoM is profoundly aware of the deep and enduring bond we share with the Roman Catholic Church through our common baptism and our mutual faith in Jesus Christ through the International Anglican – Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM). Here in Solomon Islands, the Roman Catholic – Anglican relationship is visible through our common fellowship, worship and mission for unity and services to our people.

Pope Francis often reminded the world of our shared calling to be instruments of compassion, reconciliation, and hope. In these challenging times, his call for humanity to “build bridges, not walls” continues to echo with power and relevance through many centuries to come. He urged us to care for one another and for our common home, the Earth – a message we must carry forward.

We stand in solidarity with you in prayers and fellowship as we all mourn the wonderful soul of His Holiness. May our Heavenly Father grant him rest in eternal peace while his legacy continues to inspire the Church to live out the Gospel of love and grace.

Yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia