Goodbye Pope: Pontiff hailed as moral icon and voice of the voiceless

Archbishop Philip Anyolo speaking at Christ the King Catholic Church Embakasi on Easter Monday. [Ann Musungu, Standard] Tributes continue to pour in from around the world following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As news of his passing spread, leaders from across the globe honoured the pontiff's legacy, praising his unwavering ethical and moral convictions that earned him admiration far beyond the Catholic Church. He was widely celebrated for championing interfaith dialogue, environmental justice, and reforms in the Church, inspiring millions regardless of faith or background. In Kenya, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo described Francis as a voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for peace, mercy, and human dignity. "Pope Francis devoted his life to the Gospel of Christ and the service of humanity. His humility, compassion, and prophetic leadership touched countless lives across all nations and faiths," the Archdiocese said in a statement. "At this solemn moment, we extend our deepest condolences to the Vatican and the entire People of God. We unite in prayer with Catholics around the world as we commend his soul to the eternal embrace of our Lord." Archbishop Anyolo described the Pope's passing as both a profound loss and a call to reflect on his enduring legacy of compassion, courage, and unity. "We know he had not been well and had struggled to live. Yet, through it all, we saw God's hand in his life. His health was delicate, but I believe the purpose for which God allowed him to live among us has been fulfilled," Anyolo said. He lauded the Pope's prophetic teachings, especially on environmental responsibility, citing the 2015 papal encyclical 'Laudato Si', which emphasised the urgent need to care for creation. "He spoke boldly about nature. He reminded us to take care of Mother Earth. That aspect of our human life in relation to God's creation must be emphasised," he said. Anyolo also reflected on Pope Francis' 2015 visit to Kenya, recalling his strong condemnation of corruption, which he likened to a "sweet poison". "He reminded us that as Kenyans, we are a God-fearing and resilient people. But we must be mindful of corruption. He called it 'sweet like sugar', but warned it is like cancer-it destroys silently," said the Archbishop. He encouraged the faithful not to focus on sorrow, but to uphold the values the Pope stood for. "Let us not be saddened by his death, but rejoice in the goodness of the things he has done. Let them be revived in our lives so that he continues to live through us," he urged. Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria said Pope Francis rekindled the Church's concern for the marginalised and expanded its mission of mercy. "We were happy to see him, though frail, at Easter Mass and during his final Urbi et Orbi blessing," said Muheria, who received the news while en route to Rome for a Church meeting. He reiterated the Pope's commitment to fighting corruption and caring for the poor. "As good children of this common father and shepherd, we come together to offer prayers for our dear Holy Father." Muheria added: "I hope to pray before his mortal remains in Rome and offer our homage to this servant of God of extraordinary qualities. He truly was a champion of simplicity and humility." President William Ruto also paid tribute, saying the Pope exemplified servant leadership through humility, inclusivity, and compassion for the vulnerable. "We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning Pope Francis. This is a great loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. He will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity," said Ruto. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogised the Pope as a beacon of religious unity and recalled his impactful visit to Kenya in November 2015. "During that visit, Pope Francis encouraged Kenyans and pilgrims from across Africa to live together as children of God and promote peace, harmony, and love among all people," Uhuru said. During his three-day apostolic visit to Kenya in 2015, Pope Francis led a public Mass at the University of Nairobi, met with interfaith leaders, visited Kangemi informal settlement, and addressed national challenges including corruption and tribalism. He also met then-President Uhuru and former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki at State House, Nairobi. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula remembered the Pope as a symbol of humility, compassion, and social justice. "Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving God and humanity. His unwavering advocacy for the poor, tireless pursuit of peace, and call for unity touched hearts worldwide," Wetang'ula said. "Through his words and actions, he embodied Christ's teachings of love, mercy, and forgiveness. He championed the dignity of every person, regardless of race, nationality, or status." Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Pope Francis led the Church with firm doctrine and humility. "His contribution to Catholicism remains profound. My deepest sympathies to the Catholic faithful in Kenya and around the world," he said. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna described Pope Francis as his favourite pontiff, referring to him as a "proper sinner's Pope." Sifuna praised the Pope for embracing inclusion, especially his openness to blessing all people, including those in unconventional unions. "This is the Pope who said it was OK for priests to extend blessings to sinners like me," Sifuna noted, referencing traditional Catholic restrictions on customary marriages. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned him as a "great man and a great pastor." "Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. His teaching and legacy will not be lost. We bid farewell to the Holy Father with sadness, but we know he is now in the peace of the Lord," she posted on X. Meloni highlighted his call for the world to follow a path of healing, protection, and peace, saying: "He asked us to have the courage to change direction-for a society that builds rather than destroys." US Vice President JD Vance, who met the Pope on Easter Sunday, said: "My heart goes out to the millions of Christians who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was clearly very ill. I'll always remember his beautiful early COVID-era homily." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "From a young age, he dedicated himself to Christ's ideals. He served the poor and downtrodden tirelessly, igniting hope in suffering hearts."

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