POPE FRANCIS DIES
Christians around the world, particularly in Africa, woke up on the morning of Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, to the sad news from the Vatican of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The death was announced at exactly 9:35 a.m. East African Time (EAT).
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, officially made the announcement at Casa Santa Marta:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father…”
As the day unfolded, the Vatican shared details of the Pope’s life, ministry, and final wishes. News of his passing spread rapidly, with messages of condolence pouring in from around the world, highlighting the profound impact he made, especially in advocating for the poor whose plight he consistently championed.
Pope Francis is remembered as “the Pope of the People.” He was the first Latin American pope, the first from outside the West in the modern era, elected on 13th March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His leadership was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing humility, service to the poor, and the marginalized.
At the dawn of his papacy, the Church faced major challenges, including corruption and clerical abuse scandals. Pope Francis led with a people-centered approach, addressing modern issues with compassion and a deep sense of justice.
His legacy includes tirelessly helping the poor, addressing global inequalities, giving a voice to the voiceless, and refocusing the Church’s mission towards those on the margins. In his programmatic document Evangelii Gaudium, he called the Church to undergo a “missionary conversion,” urging that every action within the Church be oriented towards proclaiming the Good News to a wounded and broken world. His central message revolved around mercy, the pursuit of peace, shared humanity, and God’s closeness to all who suffer.
In Africa—and especially in Kenya—Christians fondly remember his 2015 visit. During that trip, he notably visited the slums of Nairobi, specifically Kangemi, proclaiming the Gospel of liberation to society’s forgotten. He called on African governments to guarantee access to land, housing, and labor for all citizens and encouraged African Catholics to develop an authentically African approach to pastoral ministry and social issues.
Pope Francis also strongly supported decentralization within the Church. He believed not all problems needed to be resolved at the Roman center, promoting the growth of local priorities and cultural adaptations to the Catholic faith. He pushed for greater transparency and accountability among African bishops and encouraged Catholic universities and seminaries across Africa to develop their own educational agendas.
As the Church mourns this great and humble servant, Christians recall his final Easter message, where he urged:
“On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different from us or who come from distant lands with unfamiliar customs, ways of life, and ideas! For all of us are children of God! I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible!.”
This message comes as the world continues to celebrate the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025, emphasizing hope as a core Christian virtue and encouraging the faithful to embody it actively, especially amid today’s global challenges.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
