A voice for Africa falls silent as Pope Francis breathes his last

Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will be remembered across Africa not just as the head of the Catholic Church but as a friend, a voice and a shepherd who held the continent close to his heart.

From the crowded streets of Nairobi’s slums to the conflict-ridden towns of South Sudan, Pope Francis left an indelible mark, one that went beyond words to action, presence and profound solidarity.

From the earliest days of his papacy, Pope Francis made it clear that Africa mattered.

In 2015, his first trip to the continent took him to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic, where he chose to visit some of the most neglected corners of society.

In Nairobi’s Kangemi slum, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the poor, calling on governments to provide land, housing and meaningful work to all.

He spoke boldly against the injustices that have long plagued Africa, colonial exploitation, global inequality, neo-liberal capitalism and the degradation of the environment.

In doing so, he gave voice to the cries of the marginalised, speaking not as an outsider but as one who understood their pain and their hope.

Pope Francis embodied the spirit of liberation.

Inspired by the liberation theology of his native Latin America, he preached a gospel rooted in justice, mercy and the dignity of every human being.

His message resonated deeply across African nations still grappling with the legacies of imperialism and the daily struggles of poverty.

He called on the Church not to be distant or bureaucratic, but to be close to the people, walking with them in joy and in suffering.

He consistently challenged the idea that solutions must come from Rome. Instead, he encouraged African Catholics to develop their own pastoral approaches, shaped by the unique cultures and realities of the continent.

He trusted local leadership, supported autonomy in seminaries and universities and promoted transparency and accountability among the clergy.

Through this, he helped plant seeds for a more rooted, resilient and responsive Church in Africa, one that could face its own challenges with local wisdom and strength.

Perhaps most touching was his deep connection with Africa’s youth. In a world where young people often feel unseen, Pope Francis saw them.

He listened, he encouraged, and he reminded them of their power to transform society.

On November 1, 2022, in an unprecedented virtual gathering, he spoke with over 1,000 young Africans for more than an hour, fielding their questions, sharing their dreams, and urging them to “fight for what they believe.”

It was a moment that captured the essence of his papacy: listening with love, speaking with courage, and inspiring action through faith.

Pope Francis had long battled health complications, including a partial lung removal in his youth.

His final struggle began in February 2025, when he was hospitalised with bronchitis that progressed into bilateral pneumonia.

After 38 days in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, he returned to the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery but never regained full strength.

Despite his frailty, he remained spiritually present, prayerful, and committed to his mission until his final breath.

His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who announced that the Pope passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Cardinal Ferrell said.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”

Pope Francis had requested that his funeral be marked by simplicity. The updated liturgical guide he approved in April 2024 emphasises the pope as a pastor and disciple, not as a figure of power.

His coffin will be placed directly in the chapel, and the rites will focus on the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ, a final testament to the humility with which he lived and served.

Africa mourns him deeply.

Pope Francis may have returned to the house of the Father, but in Africa, his legacy is alive, in the soil, in the spirit, and in the hearts of the faithful.