Africa remembers Pope who spoke for the continent

In African culture, ‘ancestor’ is a coveted designation. Pope Francis earned it.

In Africa, a person of Pope Francis’ moral caliber and spiritual substance holds the coveted designation of “ancestor,” whose role includes everlasting solicitude for the community he or she leaves behind. The church and the world can rejoice to have a good disciple, a faithful servant and a beloved ancestor praying and interceding for us in the presence of God.

Africa: Pope Francis' Special, Sometimes Conflictual, Relationship With Africa

Pope Francis visited 10 African countries during his five trips to the continent, promoting inter-religious dialogue and tolerance while denouncing corruption and economic colonialism. Following the pontiff's death on Monday, African leaders have praised his "legacy of compassion" and "commitment to inclusivity" though there was disagreement over his stance on LGBTQ issues.

Pope Francis: A compassionate voice for Africa

Pope Francis had a big heart for Africa and Africans. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to Africa’s quest for peace, social justice, and integral development. To crown it all, the Pope’s solidarity with African refugees and migrants, the poor, and the marginalised will live on. Read all

Pope Francis has been praised by African leaders for his involvement in promoting peace, social justice and religious inclusion on the continent after the announcement of the death of the pope, reports Radio France Internationale. His visits to ten African countries were marked by strong messages against corruption, social exclusion and economic colonialism, but there were also moments of tension, particularly over the Vatican's stance on the LG…

Church leaders say Pope Francis had ‘a heart in Africa’

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – Tributes have been pouring in from Africa and across the world following the announcement, Monday April 21 that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88. From Church authorities to political figures, Pope Francis has been hailed across Africa for advancing human rights, building bridges, and working for peace. “I received the news with a great sense of sadness,” said Johan Viljoen, Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute o…

Pope Francis visited Africa five times during his pontificate. Around 281 million Catholics lived on the continent in 2023, or 20% of the 1.4 billion Catholics in the world.