ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has joined the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, celebrating his enduring legacy as a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and compassion.
At a solemn ceremony held at the Birth of Mary Catholic Cathedral in Addis Ababa, President Taye Atske Selassie praised Pope Francis for his life of virtue and service to humanity.
“Pope Francis was a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of hope for those who suffered injustice and conflict,” the President said. “Today, the world has lost a great spiritual father who reached out selflessly to all corners of the globe where peace was lacking.”
The event, which included a Holy Mass, a message of condolence, and prayers for the late Pope, was attended by the Secretary General of the Ethiopian Council of Religious Institutions, Like Tuguhan Qesis Tagay Tadele, alongside numerous religious leaders, dignitaries, and faithful followers.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013. He was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Renowned for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and emphasis on mercy and outreach to the marginalized, he became a beloved global figure who championed causes ranging from poverty alleviation and climate action to interfaith dialogue and migrant rights.
During his papacy, Pope Francis frequently called for peace in conflict-ridden regions, including Africa, and maintained a special focus on solidarity with the poor and vulnerable. His papal encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ on care for the environment and Fratelli Tutti on fraternity and social friendship, reflected his vision of a just and inclusive world.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary General Like Tuguhan Qesis Tagay Tadele emphasized that Pope Francis’s life was a lesson in compassion. “Helping the needy and working tirelessly for peace was central to his ministry. His example is a guiding light for religious leaders and believers everywhere,” he said.
The funeral of Pope Francis was held earlier yesterday at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a church deeply associated with his personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. Leaders from across the world gathered to pay their respects to a man who left an indelible mark on both the Catholic Church and the global community.
As Ethiopians mourn alongside the international community, President Taye Atske Selassie called on all to honor Pope Francis’s memory by promoting peace, solidarity, and service to humanity.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 27 APRIL 2025
