Pope Francis has been described as the epitome of Ubuntu, for his commitment to Peace, Justice, and his love for all humanity.
Congregants and dignitaries gathered in Johannesburg for a Memorial Service for Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Monday.
The mass was officiated by his eminence Cardinal Stephen Breslin, who left for Italy, where preparations for the funeral of the late Pontiff are underway.
Roman Catholic parishioners and dignitaries came in large numbers to honour the late Pope Francis. The pontiff died of a stroke and subsequent heart failure, following a long struggle with pneumonia.
Before departing for Rome to join other Cardinals, the Archbishop of the Johannesburg Archdiocese, Cardinal Stephen Brislin honoured the late Pope.
‘Fought for global peace’
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says Pope Francis will be remembered as a person who fought for global peace. He says the Pope stood for what he believed in, even though at times people questioned his leadership at the church, but never backed down in fighting for the most marginalised.
Mbalula attended a memorial service in honour of the late Pope Francis hosted by the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg.
Mbalula has described the pontiff as someone who never hesitated to call for peace.
“Indeed, His Holiness Pope was a friend of the Global South. And Pope Francis was a bridge builder. Somebody who defined dogma and even ventured into things that others dare to a point that others will question him.
“He will be missed, he will be appreciated. He was appreciated,” says Mbalula.
The 12 years with Pope Francis at the helm of the Vatican have seen the Catholic Church move from its conservative culture.
Parishioners who braved Wednesday Morning’s chilly weather to be part of the memorial mass credited Francis for making the church more inclusive.
The late Pontiff’s passing has the world guessing who will replace him, and whether the next Pope will have the same values.
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference says whoever is appointed will be a blessing to the church.
Tributes
Pope Francis requested to be buried at the St Mary Major Basilica instead of St. Peter’s Basilica at the heart of Rome, as was the norm. He also requested a single coffin instead of three nesting coffins. -Additional reporting by Ofentse Setimo
