Pope Francis passed away on Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was 88 years old.
World leaders, including those in Africa, immediately began sending their condolences to the Vatican and the global Catholic community, mourning the Pope’s death with profound sadness.
In a heartfelt tribute, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina described Pope Francis as a figure whose humility, wisdom, and message of love, peace, and hope will remain etched in the hearts of many. Reflecting on the Pope’s historic visit to Madagascar, President Rajoelina noted that it was a moment of unity and grace for the Malagasy people. “My thoughts are with all Catholics during this time of mourning,” he said on X.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also offered condolences: “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come.”
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed Kenya’s solidarity with the Catholic Church and the global Christian community. He called the Pope’s passing a significant loss to the Catholic faithful and the broader Christian world.
President Ruto said. “He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and deep compassion for the poor and vulnerable. His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio expressed his sadness in a personal message: “I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Pope Francis. My heartfelt condolences go out to our Catholic community during this difficult time. May his soul find eternal peace.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, speaking on behalf of the African Union, its Member States, and the people of Africa, extended heartfelt condolences to the Holy See and the global Catholic community. He highlighted the Pope’s enduring commitment to peace, service to the marginalized, and advocacy for social justice.
Youssouf emphasized that the Pope will be recalled for his steadfast dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence and his devoted service to the underprivileged and disenfranchised,” he said. “We honor his bold involvement with the African continent—lending amplified voices to the silenced and supporting those caught in conflicts and destitution.
When conveying his sympathy, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated that Pope Francis was an outstanding international personality who devoted his life to upholding the principles of peace and justice. He commended the Pope’s relentless endeavors to foster tolerance, mutual religious comprehension, and communication among countries.
Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo expressed his sympathy, remembering the spiritual leader for their “unyielding dedication” to peace and social equity. “In our sorrowful state of heart, we stand together with people around the globe as we say goodbye to an influential figure whose radiance was vivid, guiding many along pathways of belief and optimism,” stated Chapo.
The Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera stated, “We stand with everyone touched by Pope Francis’s departure, grieving together as we recognize his enduring heritage marked by devotion, empathy, affection, and dedication. Additionally, he emphasized that Pope Francis will be recalled for his bravery in pushing for global governmental reforms.”
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, conveyed his sympathies, noting that both Catholics and individuals from various religions mourn the loss of a spiritual guide who endeavored to bring people together and imagined a world founded on essential human principles. He further mentioned that as the leader of the Catholic Church and an international personality, Pope Francis promoted inclusivity, fairness, and support for those at society’s margins, alongside advocating for conscientious and environmentally friendly management of natural resources.
The Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, honored Pope Francis, characterizing him as “an individual marked by remarkable humility and empathy, setting an exemplary standard for leadership within the Catholic Church.” He further stated, “Today, we stand alongside our Catholic brothers and sisters globally in expressing deep sorrow.”
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria expressed his condolences over the death of Pope Francis, referring to him as “an unwavering advocate for the underprivileged” and “the globe’s sharpest critic of environmental degradation.” Meanwhile, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye referred to the late Pope as a “significant religious leader.”
Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi remembered Pope Francis as “a great servant of God, whose life was a vibrant testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity.”
Pope Francis frequently appealed for an end to the prolonged conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting his deep concerns about the area.
According to the most recent Vatican statistics, Africa is home to an estimated 20 percent of the world’s Catholics. Most live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).