Pope Francis, fare thee well!
The world has been thrown into a state of mourning and reflection, following the death of Pope Francis, with many expressing sadness and gratitude for his life and legacy.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on Easter Monday, aged 88, was widely admired for his humility, compassion, and his ability to connect with people of all faiths.
Though he was struck by ill-health that saw him spend some time in hospital, he continued to show unwavering dedication to the flock that he was chosen to serve till he was called to glory by his maker.
Indeed, Pope Francis died less than 24 hours after appearing in a wheelchair at St Peter’s Square, to lead an Easter address in front of thousands of worshippers, at St Peter’s Square.
No wonder, services have been held around the world as some 1.4 billion Catholics mark the Pope’s death, and mourners continue to throng the Vatican, to pay tribute to their devoted and caring Holy Father.
Additionally, tributes from individuals, including world leaders, and religious communities, continue to pour in as they emphasise his advocacy for the poor, vulnerable and marginalised, his commitment to social justice, and his role as a messenger of hope, peace and unity.
He was a man of valour, who taught us to live the standards of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
Ghanaians too have joined the world to celebrate Pope Francis. The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) in a statement issued by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has urged schools, seminaries, and other Catholic institutions to organise prayer services, talks, and discussions to help the faithful — especially the youth — reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The GCBC also announced that a national Memorial Mass will be held in honour of the late pontiff at a date yet to be determined.
President John Mahama, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, have joined their counterparts on the globe, to eulogise the Pope, who has shown exemplarity leadership, peace and unity, not only for Catholics but by entire humanity.
The Ghanaian Times wishes to echo that while we mourn the Pope, we should all inscribe in our hearts the values he left behind for the advancement of society.
His ‘commitment to peace, love and ending of human exploitation, should guide us as we view the future with hope.
His papacy did not only reshape the spiritual imagination of millions, but invited the world to look outward with mercy and humility.
Pope Francis spoke of responsibility in caring for our common home, and the urgent need to see each other as brothers and sisters.
His leadership brought moral clarity to global crises while holding fast to the church’s tradition.
For young people especially, they would remember Pope Francis as a voice of trust as he believed in them—sometimes more than they believed in themselves.
Already preparations are underway for the burial of Pope Francis, and the subsequent conclave, the process by which the cardinals – senior officials of the Catholic Church – will elect the next Pope.
The Ghanaian Times feverishly awaits the election of a new Pope, to continue where Pope Francis left.
Rest in peace, Papa Francis. You have taught us how to lead with joy, trust, honesty and peace.
