Statement On The Passing Away Of Pope Francis

The Sahel Solidarity Campaign Network (SaS-CaN) joins the world in mourning the passing away of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He died on Easter Monday of 21st April, 2025 at the age of 88 years.

The Vatican announced his death a day following his last appearance in a wheelchair at St Peter's Square, where he addressed thousands of worshipers to mark this year’s Easter. Official information intimated that His Holiness died after a prolong illness; he was diagnosed with double pneumonia. Pope Francis was a towering spiritual leader, who stood with the hapless people of the Sahel region in their darkest hour, when they were abandoned to perish under terrorist attacks in that sub-region of Africa.

Africans in the Sahel region have lost a friend, a just leader and a voice on their behalf in the international arena. His death is a great loss not only to the Sahel people, but to all other people who are living in turbulent times. The Sahel people under the banner of the AES (The Alliance of Sahel States) flag are grieved at the departure of His Holiness but at the moment of pain we rally behind our authentic leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger as we mourn together the passing of the beloved Pope. We offer the Vatican our heartfelt condolences.

Twelve years passed on 13th March, 2013 Jorge Mario was introduced to the people of the world as the 266th Pope. He adopted the name Francis in honour of St. Francis Assisi. As the first Jesuit Pope, he became the spiritual guide to more than a billion worshippers’ worldwide, embodying humility compassion, and unwavering dedication to justice and freedom.

Pope Francis has passed away but he would be remembered as a well-appreciated Pope known for his love for the people of the Sahel and his staunch advocacy for justice, peace and freedom and for standing against terrorism anywhere the evil gives expression. He would also be remembered as a personality of faith who dedicated his life in bringing the Church closer to the people. He was a bridge maker between faiths as well as with all political leaders irrespective of any country or region. His death is a sad day for all people everywhere in the world.

His Holiness was not only the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he was a role-model and moral guarantor in a world engulfed in bitter conflicts, proxy wars and terrorism. He stood boldly on issues that many feared to confront: poverty, inequality, war, climate change, pandemics, migrants’ rights and the plight of refugees and displaced people in the Middle-east, Africa and Asia. He challenged leaders to see the human dignity in every soul, regardless of status, faith, colour, race or origin.

With humility, compassion and spiritual leader of international standing, he organised for the poor, oppressed and had always guided world leaders on several issues for the interest of the people. In his last message to the world on Sunday, before his demise the following day, His Holiness called for freedom of thought and tolerance, and reminded everyone that there can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others. He condemned anti-Semitism, as well as the orgy and ravage situation in Palestine, and in particular Gaza.

As we mourn his death and the loss of a great leader of spiritual courage, we pray that the Vatican will continue his legacy to work for the betterment of the poor, impoverished and downtrodden people of the world. And as we reflect on his life, let us honour Pope Francis by striving to be better architects and defenders of peace, justice, guardians of the vulnerable, and be truthful followers of the cherished principles of Christianity with abundant knowledge.

Once again, the leadership, members and supporters of the Sahel Solidarity Campaign Network extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community in the Sahel region and across Africa and among Africans in the diasporas. We stand in solidarity with the faithful in this time of grief.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all.

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