Pope Francis, who died Monday, April 21, will lie in state in an open casket at St Peter's Basilica for the next few days until his funeral is held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Photo: Getty Images

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has extended condolences to Catholics in the Virgin Islands, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. Photo: YouTube

Speaking during the continuation of the 3rd Sitting of the 2nd Session of the 5th House of Assembly (HoA) on April 22, 2025, Premier Wheatley pointed out that Pope Francis passed away during the most holy period of the Christian calendar.

The Minister responsible for Ecclesiastical and Religious Affairs, Premier Wheatley, then extended his “condolences to all those persons who are followers of the Catholic tradition.”

‘Let division die’

Meanwhile, the Premier also said he hoped everyone in the Virgin Islands had a wonderful and reflective Easter holidays, “reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and all that he’s done for us and to reflect that level of sacrifice in our own lives and that level of rebirth in our own lives, as we seek to become better people, a better community, and a better territory."

Premier Wheatley said even the work of legislators should be driven by a desire to be better people.

“Let division die, let contempt, hatred, all of those things which make our community a weaker community, let those things die and let God’s love live in our hearts or live through our words, through our actions, through our intentions, even here in this Honorable House, even with the legislation that we seek to pass."

Dr Wheatley was at the time making his contribution to the Immigration and Passport Amendment Bill, 2025.

See related article below:

Pope Francis dies aged 88