Pope Francis Tribute Messages

As we remember Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, let’s unite in sharing our heartfelt tributes.

Here’s how different communities are expressing their condolences:

Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba: On behalf of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, and with a heavy heart, I give thanks to God for the life of Pope Francis. For me, as for so many around the globe, his death feels almost like a personal loss. On numerous occasions, my wife, Lungi, and I met him, and he made you feel as if you were the only person in the world, holding you in his gaze with those piercing, warm and attentive eyes.

For many around the world, including people of all faiths and none, the distinguishing characteristic of his papacy was how close they felt to him. The last globally recognised moral voice in our confused times, he gave us clear guidance in a complex and polarised political world.

The greater Christian family will miss him as a great human being and a great church leader. In my last brief conversation with him, I asked him to pray for me. His reply, ‘Ora pro nobis tamquam ego vobis’ – ‘Pray for us as I do for you’ – made me feel, just as many, including Lungi, did, that I had a place in his heart. His memory will be etched in my heart forever, and I pray that his soul will rest in God’s peace.”

The Congress of the People: COPE extends its deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a global symbol of peace, love and empathy. We join the Catholic Church, its followers, and the broader global community in mourning this immense loss.

Pope Francis was a remarkable man whose life exemplified the finest qualities of humankind: compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice and unity. His voice uplifted the downtrodden, gave hope to the oppressed and inspired millions to embrace compassion and solidarity. His legacy will continue to shine as a guiding light for a world rooted in kindness and understanding.

COPE joins the world in grieving this immense loss and pledges to honour Pope Francis’s enduring legacy through our continued commitment to peace, justice and dignity for all.

ActionSA: The party extends its sincerest condolences to the global Catholic community on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

As over 1.3 billion Catholics mourn the loss of Pope Francis, who ascended to the papacy on 13 March 2013, his memory is assured to be one of exemplary servitude, both to the Church and the world.

Through times of great challenge, his leadership guided the Catholic Church into the modern age with compassion and humility, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

In what may be the most touching of farewells, Pope Francis, in his final hours, led the Church through the sacred celebration of Easter, leaving us with a solemn message just yesterday on Resurrection Sunday: “that we must run, hearts filled with joy, to meet the Lord.”

In memory of His Holiness, ActionSA calls for a just, peaceful, and kind world, where together we may fellowship and lead lives filled with hope and compassion.

 The Executive Director of C40 Cities, a global coalition of 97 cities working to deliver the urgent action needed to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone can thrive, has paid tribute to Pope Francis.

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, said: “Pope Francis was a true global leader whose commitment to climate justice has inspired millions. His Holiness established for a worldwide audience that the climate crisis is not just an environmental challenge but a profound social and ethical issue, exacerbated by greed and short-term profit seeking, disproportionately affecting the world’s most marginalised communities. His leadership highlighted how inequality and the climate crisis are inextricably linked, mobilising community-led climate action.

From his groundbreaking Laudato si’ encyclical in 2015 to his championing of local communities and urgent call for action in Laudate Deum, Pope Francis consistently reminded world leaders of their responsibility to protect our planet, the vulnerable, and future generations. 

His message resonated strongly with mayors and city leaders who were honoured to meet the Pope on several occasions, most recently at the Vatican climate summit in May 2024.

Pope Francis’s leadership will continue to inspire us as we work to create a sustainable, fairer world. On behalf of C40 Cities, I extend our deepest condolences and reaffirm our dedication to the urgent climate action he so passionately championed.”

The Democratic Alliance: The party offers condolences to Catholics across the globe on the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all Catholics who feel this loss.

Pope Francis will be remembered for his progressive leadership of the Church and his compassion for those in need.

As Head of State of the Vatican City State, and head of the Holy See, Pope Francis did not shy away from courageous positions seeking peace and tolerance for all.

May he rest in eternal peace and love.

The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF), under the leadership of our founder, Pastor Bert Pretorius SACOFF joins millions around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pope Francis was a global symbol of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. His leadership was marked by a commitment to peace, justice, and unity among all people, regardless of background or belief.

He was a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for the marginalised, and a bridge-builder among nations and religions. As the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy, Pope Francis brought a new tone of inclusivity and social justice to the global Catholic Church. His papacy was distinguished by groundbreaking efforts to address climate change, challenge systemic inequality, and promote interfaith dialogue. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent global environmental action and remains a foundational text in faith-based ecological advocacy.

He championed the cause of migrants and refugees, often reminding the world of their humanity and dignity. Pope Francis also took significant steps in addressing past injustices within the Church, launching efforts toward transparency and accountability.

His calls for synodality and greater involvement of laypeople, including women, in church leadership, sparked hope for reform and renewal. His humility was unmatched — choosing to live in a modest guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments, and consistently advocating for a “poor Church for the poor.”

On behalf of our 216 member faith-based organisations and over 17,000 churches represented across South Africa, SACOFF honours the life, witness, and work of Pope Francis. We extend our deepest condolences to the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the global Christian community."Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." – Psalm 116:15 (NKJV)May his memory continue to inspire leaders and believers to walk in faith, humility, and love for humanity.

Inkatha Freedom Party: It is with profound sadness that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) extends its heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who departed this life on Easter Monday. Pope Francis was a beacon of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. His papacy was marked by a tireless commitment to peace, justice, and the upliftment of the poor and marginalised.

His voice resonated not only within the walls of the Vatican but across the world, transcending borders, religions, and political divides. Pope Francis brought a unique and deeply human perspective to the leadership of the Catholic Church, one that championed inclusivity, mercy, and dignity for all. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. The IFP joins millions in mourning this spiritual leader. We offer our prayers to the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and all who held him dear. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The Salvation Army: The Southern African Territory of The Salvation Army has paid tribute to Pope Francis’ “remarkable dedication to fostering love, compassion and unity”. In expressing his condolences to the Catholic community on the passing earlier today of Pope Francis, Territorial Commissioner Torben Eliasen said: “May Pope Francis’ legacy inspire our continued service with empathy and kindness.” He added: “We pray for the Catholic community and reaffirm our commitment to collaborative service in supporting those in need.”

The International Federation of Christian Churches: The IFCC joins the global Christian and interfaith community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the Holy See, and the global family of believers who have lost not only a spiritual leader but a tireless humanitarian and advocate for peace, justice, and unity.

Pope Francis will be remembered as a courageous and humble servant who devoted his life to the teachings of Christ, always focusing on the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed in society. His commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and building bridges across different faiths is a legacy that transcends denomination and creed.

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar: SECAM and the entire Church, Family of God in Africa and its Islands, join the universal Church in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. Pope Francis has been more than a shepherd to the universal Church; he has been a profound source of inspiration, particularly for us in Africa.

His unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being resonated deeply with our continent's struggles and aspirations. Throughout his papacy, he visited Africa, taking the time to understand our realities, listen to our stories, and amplify our voices on the global stage.

His visits to various countries on the continent brought hope and love to countless people and reaffirmed the Church's commitment to being a family. In his encyclicals, particularly "Fratelli Tutti," Pope Francis championed the dignity of all, urging us to embrace a culture of encounter and fraternity. His advocacy for the environment, based on a deep appreciation for our common home, and his emphasis on the importance of dialogue have inspired us to take action in addressing the pressing issues facing our communities today.

We invite the faithful across Africa and Madagascar to join us in prayerful remembrance, giving thanks for the life and teachings of Pope Francis. May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring message guide us as we strive to build a more just and loving world. In the hope of the Risen Christ,