As millions of Christians across the globe celebrated Easter Monday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the world was thrown into mourning as Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church breathed his last.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula joined millions of Catholics across the globe in mourning the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, describing him as “a spiritual beacon of humility, love, and justice.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Speaker Wetang’ula, a devout Catholic, expressed profound sorrow at the passing of the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis,” said Wetang’ula. “He was a spiritual shepherd who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.”Wetang’ula described Pope Francis as a tireless advocate for the poor and the marginalized, whose legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the faithful.
“His Holiness embodied the very essence of Christ’s teachings urging us to embrace love, mercy, and forgiveness. He championed the cause of the marginalized, tirelessly advocating for the dignity of every human being,” he said.Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope, will be remembered for his efforts to steer the Church toward humility, reform, and compassion.
His papacy was marked by groundbreaking encyclicals such as Laudato Si’, which called for global action on climate change, and Fratelli Tutti, a powerful call for human fraternity.
Speaker Wetang’ula further highlighted the Pope’s push for synodality in the Church, fostering inclusive dialogue and shared leadership.
“He reaffirmed the role of the Church as a moral compass in society calling for integrity, transparency, and accountability in both ecclesiastical and global governance,” he said.Quoting Scripture, Wetang’ula offered a message of hope and spiritual reflection to the global Catholic community:
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the legacy of faith, love, and humility that he leaves behind. We take solace in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’ (John 11:25).”Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a historic era defined by compassion, courageous leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace in the glory of God’s Kingdom,” Wetang’ula concluded. “May his example continue to inspire us to walk in the path of Christ.”The world stands in mourning. Bells toll from the spires of cathedrals, and faithful Catholics bow their heads in prayer, grief, and gratitude. In Kenya, the sense of loss is deeply felt particularly within the heart of one of the country’s most prominent Catholic public servants.
