…Ghanaian born Cardinal Turkson, Pope Francis’s peace envoy to South Sudan is seen as a major contender alongside Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the former Archbishop of Manila who opposed abortion rights in the Philippines, and considered a liberal
MON APRIL 21 2025-theGBJournal| From global political leaders to leaders of various religious inclination as well as millions of people around the world, it has been expression of sadness, and deep grief as the news spread of the death of one of the most revered Pope in modern history, Pope Francis, the first Pope from Latin America.
Pope Francis’s death, a devastating news for the Catholic community, was announced in the early hours of today by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Carmelengo of the Apostolic Chamber. He died at age 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Throughout his twelve years as Pope, the late Francis pushed for a greater sense of unity between all Christian Churches.
”His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” the British Monarch, King Charles said in his note of condolence.
King Charles and the his wife met the Pontiff earlier this month and he and the Queen remember with particular affection their meetings with His Holiness over the years.
”Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greetings with the Church and world he served with such devotion throught his life and ministry.
The DG, World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described the Pope’s passing as ”a true loss for Christianity, for social and economic progress worldwide.”
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on behalf of the African Union, its Member States, and the people of Africa, the Chairperson extends heartfelt condolences to the Holy See, the global Catholic community, and all those across the world who were inspired by Pope Francis’ extraordinary life of service, humility, and spiritual leadership.
”Pope Francis will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the promotion of peaceful co-existence, his service to the poor and the marginalised, his bold calls for climate justice, his relentless pursuit of dialogue among faiths and cultures, and his enduring efforts to build bridges where others saw walls. His voice carried moral clarity in an increasingly fractured world, and his legacy will resonate for generations to come.
The Chairperson pays tribute to the Pope’s courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty,” Youssouf said.
Nigeria’s President Tinubu also joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who he described as ”a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions.”
The President said his passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.
Meanwhile, questions are swirling around who will be and where will the next Pontiff come from as the Cardinals gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave.
Ghanaian born Cardinal Turkson, Pope Francis’s peace envoy to South Sudan is seen as a major contender alongside Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the former Archbishop of Manila who opposed abortion rights in the Philippines, and considered a liberal.
Peter Erdo, 72, who has spoken against remarried Catholics receiving holy communion has emerged also as a frontrunner. He is the Archbishop of Estergom-Budapest, Hungary.
Another top contender, Pietro Parolin, 70 was late Pope Francis’s Cardinal Secretary of State. A moderate who brokered a resented agreement between the Vatican and China in 2018, an agreement many described as a sell-out to the Chinese Communist Party.
Among the seven top contenders are, Archbishop from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
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