By Paschal Norbert
NAIROBI, APRIL 22, 2025 (CISA) – Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, Easter Monday, African Catholic Bishops expressed profound sorrow and paid tribute to his enduring legacy. The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) led the continent in mourning, highlighting the Pope’s deep connection with Africa and his commitment to justice, peace, and the marginalized.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, a close confidant of the pope, Archbishop of Kinshasa, DRC, and President of SECAM, conveyed the collective grief of the African Church, stating, “Pope Francis was a shepherd who walked with us, listened to our struggles, and gave voice to our hopes. His death is a great loss to the universal Church and especially to Africa, which he loved dearly.”
In South Africa, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) remembered Pope Francis as a transformative leader. In their press statement, the SACBC remarked, “Pope Francis was a shepherd of immense humility, courage, and compassion. His voice advocating for the poor, peace, and justice resonated in every corner of the globe, including here in South Africa.”
The Lesotho Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which had recently held a Mass praying for the Pope’s health, expressed deep sorrow. Archbishop Tlali Gerard Lerotholi of Maseru stated, “We are heartbroken. The Holy Father was a beacon of hope and humility. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”
In Nigeria, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference described Pope Francis as “a tireless advocate for migrants and refugees, promoted a more synodal Church rooted in listening and shared responsibility, and called for a culture of kindness and human fraternity. He also advanced interreligious dialogue, fostering peace and mutual understanding among peoples of different faiths.”
They emphasized his efforts to bridge divides and promote peace across the continent, and also noted the significance of his passing during the Easter season.
“It is not without spiritual significance that the Holy Father passed during the Easter Season; a time when the Church proclaims with joy the victory of Christ over death. His return to the Lord in this sacred season offers us a consoling reminder of the Christian hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life,” they observed.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) highlighted the Pope’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice.
“Pope Francis served the Church with profound humility, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to the poor, to peace, and to the care of the environment, our common home,” stated the bishops.
In a statement, they noted, “His life and ministry were a powerful witness to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and compassion.”
In Kenya, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde recalled the Pope’s 2015 visit, where he addressed issues of corruption and inequality, hailing him as a champion of justice and interfaith harmony and a man of the people. The archbishop of Mombasa said, “Pope Francis’s message of integrity and service continues to resonate with us. We mourn his loss deeply.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia praised the Pope’s dedication to interfaith dialogue. They recalled his efforts to foster understanding between different religious communities, emphasizing his role as a peacemaker.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Pope Francis had visited in 2023, the local bishops expressed gratitude for his solidarity during times of conflict. They stated, “His presence among us was a source of comfort and strength. We will forever cherish his compassion and support.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Madagascar remembered the Pope’s emphasis on caring for the environment and the poor during his visit. They pledged to continue his mission of promoting social justice and ecological responsibility.
Across the continent, Catholic Bishops are organizing memorial Masses and prayer services to honour Pope Francis’s life and legacy. His commitment to humility, inclusivity, and service has left an indelible mark on the African Church.
