Africa mourns Pope Francis, a voice for peace and justice

The death of Pope Francis at his residence on April 21, 2025 marks the end of a significant era for the Vatican and the global Catholic following of 1.3 billion faithful. The first pope from the Americas and also the first to come from outside the west in the modern era, Pope Francis was elected leader of the Catholic church on March 13, 2013.

The pontiff’s legacy will be keenly felt in Africa. Three things stand out. First, he…