Pope Francis has died. He was history's first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style of leadership. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday has sent ripples of grief across the world, with tributes pouring in from world leaders, faith communities and ordinary people alike. In South Africa, the news has stirred both sorrow and reflection on the legacy of a pope many saw as a champion of the poor and a voice for peace.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died at 7:35am on April 21, 2025, at his Vatican residence. He was 88 years old. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Cardinal Farrell said from the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. “With immense gratitude for his example… we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.” Francis had been struggling with ongoing respiratory issues, worsened by bilateral pneumonia in February. After spending over a month in Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, he was discharged in March to recover at home.
South African Catholic leaders expressed sadness but also deep appreciation. “He was not only the Pope of the Catholic Church; he was a voice of the voiceless,” said Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. “His concern for the poor, for migrants, for the sick—he reminded us what the Gospel is really about.” Francis’ connection to Africa ran deep. During his papacy, he visited eight African countries, including Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, often highlighting inequality and calling for peace. A planned lecture at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on poverty, disrupted by the pandemic, reflected his consistent interest in African issues. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki once engaged with Francis on global poverty during Vatican-led discussions.
Around the world, leaders have shared their condolences. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised Francis’ “commitment to the most vulnerable”, while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni called him a “man of deep humility” who challenged the world to “change direction”. Back home, Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Johannesburg, who is eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave, will travel to Rome for the funeral. The Vatican has not yet confirmed funeral details, but Archbishop Diego Ravelli noted that Francis had requested a simplified liturgy, consistent with his pastoral and humble approach.
Pope Francis became the first South American pope in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His now-famous “Who am I to judge?” comment in response to questions on homosexuality and his calls for clergy to leave church buildings and meet people “where they are” marked him as a reformer, albeit a quiet one. Though the Catholic Church faces uncertainty in his absence, Francis’ legacy seems likely to endure. As Bishop Sipuka put it, “He made us think differently. He reminded us that the Church is not just a building but a mission to serve.”
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