President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, 21 April 2025, at his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa extended his sympathies to Catholics in South Africa and across the world, praising the Pope’s lifelong dedication to unity, inclusion, and care for the environment. He noted that the timing of the Pope’s passing, shortly after Easter, will deepen a global period of prayer and reflection.
A Legacy of Humility and Service
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, made history as the first Pope from the Global South when he ascended to the papacy in 2013. Known for his simple lifestyle and deep concern for the poor, he led the Catholic Church with a focus on reforming its traditions and addressing modern challenges. His landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, called for urgent action on climate change and inspired environmental movements in South Africa and beyond. Throughout his tenure, he championed the rights of marginalised communities, encouraged interfaith dialogue, and worked tirelessly to promote peace in troubled regions.
His teachings struck a chord in South Africa, a nation still healing from the divisions of apartheid. His emphasis on equality and reconciliation mirrored the country’s ongoing efforts to bridge gaps and build a fairer society. Similarly, his environmental messages motivated local activists to push for sustainable practices in a country rich with natural beauty yet facing ecological threats.
Global Leaders Pay Tribute
Leaders from around the world joined Ramaphosa in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Kenyan President William Ruto praised him as a model of “servant leadership,” highlighting his humility and commitment to justice. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wished for his legacy of compassion to endure, while US President Joe Biden described him as a “transcendent voice for peace, human dignity, and social justice.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres called him a “guiding light for millions.” Closer to home, Cape Town’s Archbishop Thabo Makgoba reflected on the Pope’s joyful spirit, noting that his death on Easter Monday carried a powerful symbol of hope and resurrection.
These tributes reflect the universal admiration for a leader who broke barriers and spoke boldly on issues like poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis. His efforts to address the Church’s sexual abuse scandals and his outreach to the LGBTQ+ community further cemented his reputation as a reformer unafraid to tackle tough issues.
The Catholic Church Prepares for Transition
With Pope Francis’s passing, the Catholic Church now turns to the solemn task of choosing his successor. A conclave will soon gather in the Vatican, where 138 cardinals under the age of 80 will convene to elect the next Pope. Locked away in the Sistine Chapel, they will follow centuries-old traditions, guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, until a new leader emerges. This process, steeped in ritual, draws the attention of millions worldwide, including South Africans who valued Pope Francis’s messages of hope and unity.
The election marks a pivotal moment for the Church, which serves over 1.3 billion Catholics globally. The next Pope will inherit a world grappling with division, conflict, and environmental challenges—issues Pope Francis confronted head-on during his 12-year papacy.
A Lasting Impact on South Africa and Beyond
Pope Francis’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and gratitude from people of all walks of life. In South Africa, his influence reached beyond the Catholic community, touching those who saw in him a champion of the underdog and a voice for a better world. His Laudato Si’ encyclical, for instance, spurred local faith groups and activists to advocate for greener policies, while his calls for peace echoed in a nation striving for harmony.
As the world pauses to remember him, his life offers lessons in kindness, courage, and care for others. From the crowded streets of Buenos Aires to the quiet halls of the Vatican, Pope Francis showed that leadership is about serving, not ruling. His passing, so close to Easter, feels like a call to reflect—not just for Catholics, but for everyone who dreams of a more just and gentle world.
In Ramaphosa’s words, “Catholics and people of all faiths are saddened today by the passing of a spiritual leader who sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.” As the global community mourns, Pope Francis’s vision of hope and togetherness remains a light that will shine for years to come.
