April 21, 2025 – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Across the African continent and the global Pan-African community, tributes have poured in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a spiritual figure celebrated not only for his leadership of the Catholic Church but also for his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the upliftment of the poor and marginalized.

🇪🇹 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed deep sorrow, stating:
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come.”

🇰🇪 Kenyan President William Ruto described the Pope’s passing as “a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world.” He added, “Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity.”

African Union Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf honored Francis as “a towering moral voice of our time and a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, compassion, and human dignity,” praising his “courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation.”

From 🇿🇦 South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the Pope’s profound influence:
“His extraordinary life story and ascendancy to the Holy See unfolded with humility and a profound commitment to making the Church and the world a better place for all of humanity.”

🇱🇷 Liberian President Joseph Boakai joined the chorus of leaders, stating:
“Pope Francis stood with Africa in its most trying times. His voice for equity and compassion resonates deeply with Liberia’s pursuit of peace and dignity.”

🇬🇭 Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo remarked:
“Africa has lost a true friend in Pope Francis. His environmental advocacy and call for ethical leadership inspired many across our continent.”

In 🇳🇬 Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized Francis’s influence beyond religion:
“He was a peacemaker, a man of vision who believed in Africa’s potential and often reminded the world of our place in the global conversation on justice and development.”

From 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio said:
“Pope Francis’s solidarity with the suffering and his calls for reconciliation in post-conflict societies were a source of strength to many Sierra Leoneans.”

🇲🇦 Morocco’s King Mohammed VI acknowledged the Pope’s historic interfaith outreach:
“His visit to Morocco marked a new chapter in Christian-Muslim relations and will be remembered as a gesture of goodwill and understanding.”

From the Caribbean, 🇯🇲 Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid homage:
“Though continents apart, Pope Francis’s message of unity and human dignity resonated with the people of Jamaica. His legacy will continue to inspire the global South.”

Across Africa and its diaspora, Pope Francis is being remembered not just as a religious figure, but as a global statesman of morality and conscience who walked humbly, spoke boldly, and stood firmly with the oppressed.