African leaders mourn Pope Francis’ death at 88

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - African leaders expressed their condolences on Pope Francis' passing on Monday morning at the age of 88.

The African Union said in a statement that its chairperson, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received the news with “profound sorrow and deep sadness,” describing the pope as “a towering moral voice of our time and a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, compassion, and human dignity.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on X that Catholics and people of all religions are saddened by the death of Pope Francis, who “sought to unite humanity and wished to see a world governed by fundamental human values.”

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, extended his “deepest condolences and feelings of Christian compassion” to Catholics globally.

Kenyan President William Ruto said on X that the pope’s “strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie also expressed condolences on X, recalling the pope’s “life of service to faith, humanity and global peace.”

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement calling for the pope’s legacy to be honored by “lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on X that she is saddened by the pope’s death, describing him as “a teacher and leader who taught and encouraged the well-being and development of people along with maintaining peace.”

Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore said on X that he remembered Pope Francis as a man who devoted his life to the poor, the marginalized, and justice and peace.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo said in a statement that the pope was a “pastor who transcended the boundaries of the Catholic Church, touching the soul of humanity with his message of love for God and neighbor.”

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said on X that the world lost a major spiritual figure, noting the pope’s “commitment to the most vulnerable and his constant call for dialogue between peoples and religions.”

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema described Pope Francis on X as a “man of great humility and compassion, who led the Catholic Church by example.”

The presidents of Burundi, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, and Sierra Leone also expressed their condolences on the pontiff's death in separate messages.

Among the high-level figures who offered condolences were Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam.

The pope had been hospitalized in Rome in February with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged after 38 days and continued his recovery at the Vatican.

The Vatican announced his death earlier Monday.