African leaders mourn the passing of Pope Francis
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.
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.
“Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity,” 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.”
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.”
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.
“The Pope will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the promotion of peaceful co-existence, his service to the poor and the marginalized,” Youssouf stated. “We pay tribute to his courageous engagement with the African continent—amplifying the voices of the voiceless and standing with those in conflict and poverty.”
In expressing his condolences, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said Pope Francis was an exceptional global figure who dedicated his life to serving the values of peace and justice. Sisi praised the Pope’s tireless efforts to promote tolerance, interfaith understanding, and dialogue between nations.
“The loss of Pope Francis represents a profound loss to the entire world. He was a voice of peace, love, and compassion, and a model of devotion to noble values,” Sisi said, adding that the Pope’s humanitarian legacy “will remain etched in the conscience of humanity.”
Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo sent his condolences, recalling a spiritual leader with a “tireless commitment” to peace and social justice. “At this moment, with hearts in shock, we join the world in bidding farewell to a leader whose light shone brightly, illuminating paths of faith and hope,” said Chapo. For him, Pope Francis was a spiritual leader who fought for the marginalised, dedicating his life to a “tireless commitment” to justice, peace, and fraternity.
Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said, “We join all who were inspired by Pope Francis in mourning his passing, as he leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, love and service, promoting peace, justice and unity. He added that Pope Francis will be remembered for his courage in advocating for reform in governance worldwide.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, stating that Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened by the passing of a spiritual leader who worked to unite humanity and envisioned a world guided by fundamental human values. He added that, as head of the Catholic Church and a global figure, Pope Francis championed inclusion, equality, and care for the marginalized, while advocating for the responsible and sustainable stewardship of the environment.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as “a man of great humility and compassion, who led the Catholic Church by example.” He added, “We join Catholics and fellow Christians across the world in mourning today.”
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu mourned the passing of Pope Francis, calling him “a tireless champion of the poor” and “the world’s most trenchant voice against climate change.” Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye described the Pope as a “major spiritual figure.
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 repeatedly called for an end to the long-running conflict in eastern DR Congo, underscoring his concern for the region.
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.
