President Mnangagwa mourns Pope Francis
Online Desk President Emmerson Mnangagwa has joined other world leaders in mourning Roman Catholic leader, Pope Francis, who died at the Vatican City in Rome, Italy, yesterday. In a statement, President Mnangagwa described the late pontiff as a man of profound humility who stood for peace, compassion and justice. The president extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and Catholics around the world. African leaders praised the legacy of compassion and inclusivity of Pope Francis. Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, hailed “the Pope’s courageous engagement with the African continent,” which he said amplified voices of the voiceless, adding that the pontiff was a champion of peace and reconciliation, who stood in solidarity with those affected by conflict. In his tribute, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Francis had an “extraordinary life story” and “care for marginalised individuals and groups.” Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi said the pontiff was a “great servant of God, whose life was a vibrant testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity.” Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, who met the Pope last year, hailed him for his passion for environmental issues. Pope Francis died at the age of 88 yesterday following months of ill health including a battle with pneumonia. Born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, Pope Francis had been leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, to the world’s almost 1.4 billion Catholics.
