This morning, the world woke up to the news of Pope Francis’ death, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. He died at his residence in the Vatican, following a prolonged battle with illness. For many, his death marks the end of an era—but for Africa, it closes a chapter of deep solidarity, advocacy, and moral leadership.
A Pope Who Saw Africa
Pope Francis was more than just a religious leader but a moral compass for billions across the globe, including the 265 million Catholics on the African continent. From the moment he took the papal name “Francis” in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, it was clear that his vision for the Church would be centered around humility, social justice, and care for the margins. Africa—its people, its struggles, its hope—was never far from that vision.
During his visits to Kenya, Uganda, the Central African Republic, and most recently the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, Francis made it clear that Africa mattered—not just to the Vatican, but to the future of global faith. He challenged governments on corruption, called for peace in conflict zones, met with street children and slum dwellers, and repeatedly urged the world not to exploit the continent’s resources while ignoring its people.
“Africa is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be conquered,” he once said in Kinshasa.
“It is a garden to be cultivated, a future to be embraced.”
A Powerful Visit to the Heart of Africa
One of Pope Francis’s most powerful gestures toward Africa came during his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2023. It was the first papal visit to the country in nearly 40 years and came at a time when the eastern region of the DRC was facing ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
Pope Francis sits next to Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi as he attends the welcoming ceremony at the Palais de la Nation on the first day of his apostolic journey, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, January 31, 2023. Photo Credits: Vatican Media
In Kinshasa, before a crowd of over a million people, he issued a bold condemnation of global exploitation, decrying the “economic colonialism” that has continued to cripple African progress.
“Hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo! Hands off Africa!” he declared.
“Stop choking Africa: it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered.”
He also met with survivors of war and sexual violence from the east of the country, offering them not only spiritual comfort but global recognition. That moment reaffirmed Pope Francis’s deep belief that dignity belongs to everyone, even those history has tried to forget.
Champion of the Marginalized
Pope Francis’s death leaves a great legacy in Africa, rooted in how he gave voice to those often unheard. He opened doors for meaningful discussions around poverty, climate justice, and migration—issues that resonate deeply across the continent. Under his leadership, the Church became more vocal about the dignity of informal workers, refugees, and young people facing unemployment.
Also Read: Why the U.S. Wants Rwanda Out of the DRC—And What It Means for the Region
In countries like South Sudan, where civil war has fractured communities, his efforts to broker peace—kneeling to kiss the feet of rival leaders—were both symbolic and sincere. Pope Francis’ death leaves behind a Church emboldened to speak truth to power and embrace those most in need.
The Future of Catholicism in Africa after Pope Francis’ death
With the Vatican now entering sede vacante—the period before a new pope is elected—there’s renewed conversation about Africa’s role in shaping the future of the Church. The continent is now home to the fastest-growing Catholic population in the world. Its youthful, vibrant faith communities are redefining what Catholicism looks like in the 21st century.
Could this be the moment for an African pope following Pope Francis’ death? Whether symbolic or real, such a shift would affirm the continent not only as a recipient of spiritual direction but as a source of global moral leadership.
Carrying the Flame Forward
Pope Francis has left behind more than teachings—he’s left a challenge. To leaders. To young people. To faith communities. A challenge to continue advocating for justice, peace, and the kind of radical empathy he exemplified continues even after Pope Francis’ death.
Pope Francis’ death is not just a Vatican affair but a global moment. It’s a call for Africa to step up, build on its foundation, and lead with compassion, courage, and clarity even as we continue mourning Pope Francis’ death.
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