Pope Francis dies at 88, what global leaders say

21 April 2025, 5:47 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, after being appointed by a two-thirds majority of the mandated cardinals, Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in the same year to lead the Catholic Church and serve as Sovereign of Vatican City. Pope Francis passed away this morning, according to an announcement from the Vatican.

In her condolence message, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Annet Among, described Pope Francis as a leader who exemplified a life of humility and compassion.

“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I join millions around the world in mourning the Holy Father, Pope Francis. During the many private audiences I had with him, he exemplified a life of humility and compassion. He was a powerful advocate for social justice and dedicated his life to serving God. He truly embodied humility, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. May the Lord Almighty, whom he served throughout his life, grant him eternal rest,” she said on her X handle.

Kenya’s President William Ruto also joined global leaders in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, calling it a great loss to the world. “We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. This is a significant loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity. He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and vulnerable. His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

In the same spirit, King Charles III of the United Kingdom said that Pope Francis would be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church, and his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith. “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. The Queen and I particularly remember our meetings with His Holiness over the years. We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who have been inspired by his life,” he said.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, stated that Pope Francis would be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world. “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself to realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace,” he said.

The late Pope visited Uganda on 28 November 2015 as a pilgrim to honour the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo. His visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga marked a historic moment, making him the third Pope to visit Uganda and his first trip to Africa as Pontiff.

Regarding his successor, Cardinals from around the world will gather in Vatican City to decide on the next Pope. He will be chosen by a College of Cardinals. Currently, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 138 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect the new Pope. Rules introduced in 1975 exclude cardinals over the age of 80 from voting. The Catholic Church of Uganda has yet to issue an official statement on the passing of the Holy Father.