Across the Caribbean, the global and regional Catholic community is in mourning following the Sunday, September 27, 2026 passing of the Most Reverend Robert Rivas, O.P., Archbishop Emeritus of Castries. The Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre has been among the first church institutions to publicly honor the life and legacy of the beloved church leader, extending its deepest condolences to all those affected by his death.
Bishop Robert Llanos, the full body of clergy serving under the diocese, and lay Catholic community members have joined brothers and sisters across the wider global Church in sharing grief over the archbishop’s death. For decades, Rivas built deep connections with Catholic communities across the Caribbean, earning a reputation for humble, dedicated service that touched countless lives.
In a formal statement released following the announcement of his passing, the Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre highlighted Rivas’ lifelong commitment to lifting up and serving the Catholic Church across the Caribbean region. Before stepping into emeritus status, Rivas held the senior post of Archbishop of Castries, the capital of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia, where he led the local archdiocese through years of growth and community outreach.
“We give thanks to God for a life given so generously in service to the Church throughout the Caribbean, and we hold his family, his Dominican brothers, and the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Castries close in our prayers,” the diocese shared in its public message. Closing the statement, the diocese added a final prayer honoring Rivas: “May he rest in the peace and light of Christ.”