SA church leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Catholics in South Africa have been mourning and paying tribute to Pope Francis who died early on Easter Monday morning.

The Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis suffered a stroke which led to a coma and his heart to fail, as he recovered from a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia. It came a day after he turned out to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on the occasion of Easter Sunday, drawing wild cheers and applause.

Cardinal Archbishop of the Metropolitan archdiocese of Cape Town Stephen Brislin said Francis has “touched people in a very special way.”

“I think throughout the world, but particularly in Africa, we feel that we were very close to Pope Francis and we feel that he loved us as well,” the Archbishop said.

At the altar of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Francis’ portrait was flanked by flowers and candles.

Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town has described Pope Francis as “the last globally-recognised moral voice in our confused times,” and as a leader who gave “clear guidance in a complex and polarised political world.”

In a statement released yesterday, he said that “the poor of the world will be those who will miss him the most as a champion and custodian of their hopes and dreams. He was an incredible, prophetic pastor whose vision was a “church of the poor for the poor”, to quote one of his favourite sayings.”

“We are deeply grateful to him for holding before us the image of the Church as a field hospital, and for the incredible ways in which he embraced the marginalised, begging priests to identify with them as  ‘shepherds living with the smell of the sheep’

“The greater Christian family will miss him as a great human being and a great church leader,” Makgoba said.

The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF), under the leadership of founder Pastor Bert Pretorius, said in a statement it “joins millions around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis”.

The statement continues: “Pope Francis was a global symbol of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. His leadership was marked by a commitment to peace, justice, and unity among all people, regardless of background or belief. He was a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for the marginalized, and a bridge-builder among nations and religions.

“As the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy, Pope Francis brought a new tone of inclusivity and social justice to the global Catholic Church. His papacy was distinguished by groundbreaking efforts to address climate change, challenge systemic inequality, and promote interfaith dialogue. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent global environmental action and remains a foundational text in faith-based ecological advocacy.

“He championed the cause of migrants and refugees, often reminding the world of their humanity and dignity.

“Pope Francis also took significant steps in addressing past injustices within the Church, launching efforts toward transparency and accountability. His calls for synodality and greater involvement of laypeople, including women, in church leadership, sparked hope for reform and renewal.

“His humility was unmatched — choosing to live in a modest guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments, and consistently advocating for a “poor Church for the poor.”

“On behalf of our 216 member faith-based organisations and over 17 000 churches represented across South Africa, SACOFF honours the life, witness, and work of Pope Francis. We extend our deepest condolences to the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the global Christian community.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15 (NKJV)

“May his memory continue to inspire leaders and believers to walk in faith, humility, and love for humanity.”

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) and the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) said that the Pope’s public appearance in the Vatican on Sunday, greeting congregants who were gathered for the Easter Sunday service offering the blessing, was now realised as his final goodbye.

SACC general secretary Rev Mzwandile Molo, said: “Just as we celebrated the resurrection of Christ, Pope Francis’ departure can be seen as his own ascension into the presence of God—a dignified and graceful transition befitting a life devoted to faith and service.

Molo added that the passing of the Holy Father marked the conclusion of his journey of papacy, defined by humility, compassion and the tenderness of God’s heart especially for the weak and vulnerable in the world.

“As we mourn his passing and celebrate his life, we are encouraged by the reality of the resurrection he celebrated with the world yesterday. His life is a testament to the truth that life eventually overcomes death and light overcomes darkness,” he said.

Molo said he hoped the legacy of Pope Francis would continue to inspire compassion, humility, and a steadfast commitment to justice within the global Catholic community.

Speaking on behalf of the SACBC Thulani Mbuyisa, Bishop of Kokstad, told Daily Maverick that the Pope visited several countries in Africa that were at war, to shine light on the suffering of the people in such wars while bringing hope to the people affected by the war.

“He was a peace maker. He believed peace making is an integral part of the Church’s mission. He was involved in the mediation in the wars happening in the various parts of the world, including the war in Sudan, in Mozambique, DRC, the Middle East, Ukraine,” said Mbuyisa.

The SACC said that Cardinal Brislin will be going to the upcoming Conclave at the Vatican, and he will be voting for the next Pope — just as the previous Cardinal Wilfrid Napier was there for the election of Pope Francis. 

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