Malawi on Monday joined the global community in mourning head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis who died in the Vatican with leaders reflecting on his legacy of compassion, inclusion, equality and care for the marginalised.
The Vatican News online edition on Monday quoted Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, as having announced at around 9.45AM that Pope Francis died at his Casa Santa Marta residence.
Reads the announcement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 [AM] this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
In a statement on Monday, Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops president the Right Reverend Martin Mtumbuka, Bishop of Karonga Diocese, formally informed the church’s faithful in the country of the death of Pope Francis.
He said priests should lead holy masses in the coming days for the soul of the departed Pope.
Reads the statement: “On the day of his burial, which is yet to be announced, similar masses will be celebrated in all our cathedrals; presided over by members of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops or their delegates.”
In his eulogy, President Lazarus Chakwera, who alongside First Lady Monica Chakwera met the Pope at the Vatican in August 2024, said His Holiness has left behind a legacy of compassion, love and service.
“Notably, we will always remember him for his courage in advocating for reform in governance worldwide, which he himself led by example through the radical reforms he advanced in the Catholic Church,” the President said in a statement.
Speaking in an interview, Anglican Council in Malawi chairperson Bishop William Mchombo said Pope Francis worked for the unity of the church by supporting and engaging in interdenominational dialogues such as the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission.
He said: “While visiting the Vatican about 10 years ago, I was privileged to be in his audience at St Peter’s Square. In our short conversation, he asked me to pray for him as a sinner. I experienced his humility first hand.”
In separate statements on Monday, local political parties United Democratic Front (UDF), UTM Party and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) extended condolences to the Catholic Church faithful in the country.
DPP national publicity secretary Shadric Namalomba said Pope Francis was an exceptional leader whose teachings will continue to serve as a guiding light and inspiration, saying: “He was a staunch advocate of justice, mercy and harmony, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of millions.”
In an interview, UTM Party spokesperson Felix Njawala said it was time for people to celebrate the life that His Holiness lived while UDF president Atupele Muluzi said he was standing with all Catholics in prayer during this time of mourning and reflection.
Beyond the borders, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the Pope as “a great man” and “a great shepherd”, according to Reuters.
“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings, which never ceased,” she is quoted as having said in a statement.
On his part, King Charles of Britain said he and Queen Camilla had “heavy hearts” as they paid tribute to his “compassion” and “tireless commitment” to people of faith.
Reuters also quoted US President Donald Trump as having said: “Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the Pontiff for advancing a world view of “inclusion, equality and care for marginalised” individuals and groups.
Nigeria President Bola Tinubu and Kenyan President Willian Ruto were among other African leaders that extended their condolences.
Former US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid their tributes.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, took over the papacy in 2013 after Benedict XVI resigned.
He will be the first Pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican as he will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, according to the BBC.
The Pope died less than 24 hours after he made an appearance at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni told journalists that the late Pope’s body could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica tomorrow morning for the faithful to pray before his mortal remains.
Read more on the Pope’s death and funeral rites on Page 6 and 12
