22.04.2025
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Pope Francis described as an advocate for justice and equality

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  • A rose and images of Pope Francis are placed at the statue of late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy.

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As an outpouring of messages continues following the passing of Pope Francis, some South African political parties have also sent their messages of support and condolences to those of the Catholic and Christian faith across the world.

An advocate for justice and equality, a unifier and an exemplary man of faith are just some of the words that are used to describe the late Pope Francis.

The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s death at the age of 88 on Monday morning.

According to the official medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.

African National Congress (ANC) national Spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says he will be remembered as a revolutionary spiritual force who spoke to the conscience of humanity, further adding that he was an advocate of equality who had a deep concern for the people of Africa.

“Pope Francis will be remembered not only as the head of the Catholic church but as a revolutionary spiritual force who spoke to the conscience of humanity. Throughout his papacy, he embodied the values of compassion, justice, and solidarity with the poor values that resonate deeply with our own liberation tradition and the founding ethos of the ANC. From the Vatican to the furthest margins of society, Pope Francis walked with the excluded, spoke for the voiceless, and challenged the powerful to put humanity above greed. His prophetic voice called for the dismantling of systems that entrench poverty, inequality, war, and environmental destruction. In doing so, he reaffirmed the dignity of all people, particularly those in the global south,” says Bhengu-Motsiri.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader, Mmusi Maimane has hailed Pope Francis as a man who fought for justice. Maimane believes that the pontiff leaves behind a lasting legacy that those of the catholic and Christian faith can emulate.

“Pope Francis was one of those popes who, at least in my living memory, had fought hard for justice. He was the first Pope from the Americas. He did an incredible amount of work fighting for cardinals to be included from Africa, he was a Pope who led the reformation of the church and certainly fought for repetitions. I guess my most memorable moment that I can think about when it comes to this particular pope is that he spent time fighting for the poor,” says Maimane.

Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi says the late Pope Francis will be remembered as a global religious leader who unified people. He says the passing of Pope Francis comes at a time when there is much uncertainty and turmoil in the world.

“The passing of Pope Francis is devastating news, even though he was long in years, some of us felt that he needed to continue playing the role he was playing because the world is going through a lot of turmoil right now and there is a lot of fear in the air, about the future of democracy, about the future of world peace and about our ability as humanity to tackle the common problems that we all have and unifying figures secretly important in that context. So may his soul rest in eternal peace. And once again on behalf of Rise Mzansi, I would like to send our deepest condolences to all South Africans who are practising Catholics, to all Christians and all who admired and followed his example.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says Pope Francis will be remembered for his progressive leadership of the Church and his compassion for those in need.

It says as Head of the Vatican City and Head of the Holy See, Pope Francis did not shy away from courageous positions and sought peace and tolerance for all.

Meanwhile, the official opposition, Umkhonto weSizwe described him as a fierce advocate for peace and reconciliation and has implored mourners across the world to celebrate a life lived in service to humanity and guided by deep moral conviction.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on the other hand says his leadership was marked by commitment to the poor, the displaced and the oppressed-principles that the party says are closely aligned with the EFF’s struggle for economic freedom and social justice.

ActionSA has described the life of the late Pope as one of exemplary servitude to both the Church and the world.

In a statement, the party says, in his final hours, Pope Francis led the Church through the sacred celebration of Easter, leaving the faithful with a solemn message on Resurrection Sunday: “that we must run hearts filled with joy, to meet the Lord.”

The party has called on all and sundry to strive for a just, peaceful and kind world in his memory.

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