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.

- PULE MAKGALE

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.