Africa’s Catholic Bishops Mourn, Recall Holy Father’s Legacy

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring message guide us as we strive to build a more just and loving world,” they implore.

Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio was aged 76 when he was elected Pope. He took the name Pope Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. He was the first Latin American Pope and the first from the Society of Jesus (SJ/Jesuits).

Following his passing on, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have described the late Pontiff’s passing on hours after celebrating Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as symbolic, highlighting the Christian belief in the triumph of life over death.

“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,” CBCN members say in the message issued April 21.

They note that Pope Francis’ “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.”

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“His pontificate was marked by a strong emphasis on mercy, justice, and care for creation. He was 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,” Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops say.

They note that the late Holy Father also “advanced interreligious dialogue, fostering peace and mutual understanding among peoples of different faiths.”

CBCN members encourage Catholic Bishops in the West African nation to “organize Diocesan Eucharistic Celebrations for the repose of his soul, while all Catholics are also requested to pray for the same intention during the Divine Mercy devotion at 3:00 O’clock.”

“We are reminded that, during this period of interregnum, the part on the Pope at the Eucharistic Prayer is omitted,” they add.

CBCN members implore, “May the soul of Pope Francis and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate was characterized by a focus on mercy, care for creation, and attention to what he called the “peripheries” of both the Church and society.

While he made 47 apostolic journeys outside Italy, he never visited his native country, Argentina.

During his tenure, Pope Francis canonized 942 Saints — more than any other Pope in history — including his predecessors John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II.

He published four Encyclical Letters and seven Apostolic Exhortations; he promulgated 75 motu proprio documents.

In his message of condolence following the passing on of Pope Francis, Bishop José Luís Gerardo Ponce de León of Eswatini’s Manzini Diocese invites the people of God to reflect on the legacy of hope, mercy, and joy that the late Holy Father has left.

“During his sickness in hospital we prayed for his recovery and we were deeply happy seeing him again back at his residence and even greeting the people at the end of some of the celebrations,” Bishop Ponce de León recalls in his April 21 message.

He adds, “Like the disciples going to Emmaus we could say we had hoped he would be with us for many more years but – in this Jubilee Year of Hope – he is calling us to a deeper hope: the one of the resurrection.”

“One of the many things that have marked these 12 years as Bishop of Rome has been his constant request: ‘Do not forget to pray for me’. I would like us to unite in prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of his life and service,” the Catholic Bishop says.

He continues, “As we prepare for his funeral, let us remember some of his words and actions calling us to live the joy of the Gospel and to believe in the power of mercy.”

On their part, members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) eulogize Pope Francis as a leader who 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.”

“His life and ministry were a powerful witness to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and compassion,” GCBC members say in their message issued April 21.

They add, “In this moment of great loss for the Universal Church, I ask that all Bishops, Priests, Religious and Lay faithful across the Local Church in Ghana offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.”

GCBC members announce that a “National Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date to be determined. All Bishops, Priests, Religious, and lay faithful who are able to attend will be warmly invited to participate in this solemn liturgy.”

They encourage all Archdioceses, Dioceses, Parishes and other Catholic Church institutions in the West African nation to “organize local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in honour of Pope Francis. These should be moments of prayerful reflection on his teachings and witness.”

“Schools, seminaries, and other Catholic institutions may wish to host prayer services, talks, or discussions to help the faithful, especially the young, to appreciate the life and legacy of Pope,” GCBC members add.

They implore, “May the Lord, whom he served so faithfully and joyfully, welcome him into the eternal joy of His heavenly kingdom.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Cardinal Brislin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg in South Africa has described the late Pontiff as “a great Pope and caring pastor whose life and ministry touched the world.”

“Over the past years we have been touched by his warm smile, his courageous messages, his emphasis on mercy, his denouncement of injustice, wars and the dehumanization of people,” Cardinal Brislin says in his message issued April 21.

He adds, “Through and beyond our sadness, we cannot but give thanks to God for blessing us with such a great Pope and caring pastor, and with faith we commend Pope Francis into the loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Local Ordinary of Johannesburg who doubles as President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) goes on to announce, “There will be a special Mass to pray for Pope Francis at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Wednesday 23 April 2025 at 09h00 promptly.”

He invites the people of God to participant in the planned Eucharistic celebration in honor of the late Holy Father, and appeals, “I ask that you keep Pope Francis, the Church and the future Pope in your prayers.”

On their part, members of the Episcopal Conference of Ivory Coast (CECCI) have paid tribute to the late Pontiff, acknowledging his “tireless pastoral zeal and unwavering commitment to building a synodal Church and promoting global peace.”

“Pope Francis fought the good fight. May the Risen Lord grant eternal life to his servant,” Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast say in their message issued April 21.

They invite the people of God in the West African nation to engage in fervent prayer for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and his return to the Father.

The Funeral Mass for the late Holy Father is being scheduled for Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter’s Square. He is to be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, as he explained in his testament.