President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has heeded to the sounds of the St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells that tolled through the silent Vatican City as the world awoke to the sombre news of the passing of Pope Francis.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away today in the morning hours.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said humanity has lost an extraordinary leader of faith who led with compassion, courage, and integrity until his last breath.
“Since he ascended to the position of Head of the Vatican in 2013 as the first Pope from the Global South, Pope Francis shall be ingrained in our memories for his focused attention on the socio-economic issues facing the developing world,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She added that the passing of Pope Francis, a progressive leader of the Vatican and the Catholic Church during this holy period of Easter for the Christian family reminds us about the need to redouble our efforts in favour of the most vulnerable to ensure a just and fairer humanity.
“We shall forever recall his simplicity and the wise spiritual guidance he emphasized in dealing with the challenges facing humanity. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I extend sincere condolences to the Vatican, the entire Catholic Church community, and his entire family,” the President indicated.
Pope Francis, 88, died weeks after he was discharged from the hospital following a lengthy battle with double pneumonia and other health issues.
Pope Francis’ condition was deemed “critical” by the Vatican on 22 February when he needed high-flow oxygen due to a severe asthmatic crisis associated with anaemia. After a quiet night, his condition remained critical but stable on February 23. He had no recurring respiratory problems and his anaemia had improved. His overall prognosis was still unknown, but tests also showed early-stage, mild kidney failure that was under control.
Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema stated that Pope Francis was a man of great humility and compassion, who led the Catholic Church by example.
“We join Catholics and fellow Christians across the world in mourning today. In a Jubilee year, on the most important day of the year for the Catholic faithful, Pope Francis has been promoted to glory,” he indicated.
In December 2023, Pope Francis took one of the most concrete steps in his efforts to make the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming to LGBTQ Catholics by allowing priests to bless couples in same-sex relationships.
Former US President Barack Obama said that he and his wife Michelle mourned with everyone around the world—Catholic and non-Catholic alike—who had drawn strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example.
“Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another,” he posted on X.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 07h35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” said Farrell.
Known for his gentle voice, unwavering advocacy for the poor, and willingness to challenge centuries-old traditions, Francis’s death marked not only the end of a papacy but the closing of a chapter in modern religious history.
As candlelight vigils formed across continents and prayers rose in dozens of languages, one truth echoed louder than the mourning bells: the world had lost more than a religious leader—it had lost a moral compass, a bridge-builder, a shepherd to the people.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he fondly recalled meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.
“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself to realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope,” reminisced Modi.
The secretary general of United Nations, Antonio Guterres said Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace human dignity and social justice leaving behind a legacy of faith service and comparison for all, especially those left in the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.
“He was a man of faith for all faiths working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward. Through the years The United Nations was greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organizations a message I conveyed in my meetings with him as secretary general,” he said.
Guterres added that the divided and discontent world will be a much better place if everyone follows his example of the unity and mutual understanding in actions.
–psiririka@nepc.com.na