The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it was deeply saddened by the death of Cardinal Cornelius Sim of Brunei.
CBCP President Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said Sim was very close to the bishops and priests of the Philippines.
"Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Cornelius Sim, the first and only Cardinal from Brunei, who entered eternal life yesterday," he said in his message of condolence dated May 30.
The prelate recalled with gratitude Sim’s "unfailing commitment to spread the Gospel, his constant advocacy of dialogue and peace, and his untiring and devoted service to the Church in Brunei and in the whole of Asia."
Valles then expressed their heartfelt condolences to Apostolic Vicariate in Brunei Darussalam.
"In behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, I offer heartfelt condolences to the clergy, religious and laity of the Apostolic Vicariate in Brunei Darussalam," he said.
"I join Msgr. Robert Leong (Vicar General), the clergy and lay faithful of Brunei, and the family of Cardinal Cornelius, in praying that God our Merciful Father will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul into the joy and peace of His eternal kingdom," added Valles.