CATHOLIC communities and political leaders across Africa have come together in solemn memorials to honour Pope Francis ahead of his funeral scheduled for Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, a significant memorial Mass was held at the Cathedral of Christ the King, where parishioners and senior political figures gathered to pay tribute to the late pontiff. Among the attendees were African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, his deputy Nomvula Mokonyane, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, and Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa. The atmosphere inside the cathedral was marked by quiet reflection and hymns, as the faithful remembered Pope Francis as a man who centred his teachings on mercy and compassion.
The memorial in Johannesburg was the first major event in South Africa to reflect on the Pope’s life since his passing on Monday morning. The gathering underscored the deep respect held for Pope Francis, who was widely recognised in Africa for his advocacy of human rights, peace, and justice. Church leaders and bishops from across the continent expressed profound sorrow, highlighting his “heart for Africa” and his efforts to address post-colonial exploitation and foster reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Political leaders across Africa also voiced their condolences. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Pope Francis as a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity under fundamental human values. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, praised the Pope as a “towering moral voice” and a steadfast advocate for peace and dignity. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, acknowledged the Pope’s courage in urging justice and care for the vulnerable, reflecting the broad interfaith respect the Pope commanded.
Across Africa, Catholic communities and leaders are organising prayers and memorial events to honour Pope Francis. In South Sudan, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has invited members of his diocese to unite in prayer with the universal Church. He has directed that special requiem Masses be held in all parishes and institutions, including a Diocesan Mass that he will preside over at a later date.
In Zambia, entertainment activities planned in the Catholic Archdiocese have been suspended as the world mourns Pope Francis’s passing. In Kenya, President William Ruto has described Pope Francis as a figure who “embodied servant leadership through his humility, unwavering dedication to inclusivity and justice, and profound compassion for the underprivileged.”
Bishops across Africa have issued directives in their respective dioceses, encouraging special prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis made five journeys to Africa, visiting ten countries. He often chose to visit nations facing conflict, strife, economic hardship, and environmental issues. He celebrated Mass in impoverished areas and sought to foster peace between opposing leaders.
Meanwhile, in Vatican City, Pope Francis’s body arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, where it will lie in state until Friday, allowing mourners worldwide to pay their respects. The funeral service will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will reflect the Pope’s wishes for simplicity, with his coffin resting in a single wooden casket at ground level rather than elevated on a pedestal, and the burial will be at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, a departure from tradition.
Africa’s memorial services for Pope Francis have been marked by heartfelt mourning and respect, bringing together religious and political leaders to honor a pontiff who was seen as a compassionate advocate for justice and peace, with a special connection to the continent. The upcoming funeral in Rome will be a global event, drawing leaders and faithful from around the world to bid farewell to a pope who profoundly shaped the modern Catholic Church.
