The news of Pope Francis's death, echoing across continents thousands of miles from the Vatican, has been met with profound sorrow by millions of Catholics throughout Africa. This vast and diverse continent, often described as the "future of the Catholic Church" due to its burgeoning Catholic population—representing approximately one in five Catholics globally—held a special place in the heart of the late pontiff.
Pope Francis, renowned for his unwavering commitment to the poor, marginalized, and his inclusive embrace of all people, solidified a relatively recent Vatican tradition of prioritizing engagement with Africa. Before the 1960s, papal visits outside the Vatican were rare. However, Pope Francis, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, made a significant effort to connect directly with the African faithful, undertaking five pastoral trips and visiting ten different African nations throughout his twelve-year papacy.
The impact of his passing is deeply felt by leaders across the continent. Kenya's President William Ruto, echoing the sentiments of many, lauded Pope Francis as a leader who "exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable."
Here's a closer look at how the late Pope Francis prioritized Africa during his impactful tenure:
Pope Francis's five trips to Africa were not merely symbolic gestures; they were powerful demonstrations of solidarity, often focused on regions grappling with conflict, poverty, and the devastating effects of climate change. He fearlessly held mass in impoverished neighborhoods and, in extraordinary displays of humility, even kissed the feet of warring leaders in a fervent plea for peace.
His approach built upon the foundation laid by Pope John Paul II, who visited over 25 African countries during his long pontificate, fundamentally transforming the Vatican's relationship with the continent. Pope Benedict XVI also continued this engagement, visiting three African countries in two separate trips.
2015: East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Central African Republic - CAR): This six-day visit was marked by vibrant welcomes and massive gatherings. In Nairobi, Pope Francis's mass in the low-income neighborhood of Kangemi resonated deeply, where he passionately denounced "modern forms of colonialism" and highlighted the exclusion and neglect of the urban poor. He also criticized the hoarding of resources by wealthy minorities. Uganda offered a colorful welcome, with traditional dances and enthusiastic crowds. The Pope also visited a treatment center for disabled children, offering them comfort and support. The CAR leg of the journey was particularly significant as Pope Francis ventured into the PK5 Muslim neighborhood in Bangui, a move unprecedented amidst months of intense religious tensions. His presence fostered emotional reunions and a powerful call for both sides to lay down arms, famously declaring Africa "the continent of hope." This visit is credited with contributing to a subsequent peace agreement, though lasting peace took several more years to achieve.
2017-2019: North Africa (Egypt, Morocco): In April 2017, Pope Francis traveled to Cairo to offer support to the Coptic Christian minority in Egypt, the largest Christian community in the Middle East, who have long faced marginalization and violence. He also extended a hand of dialogue to Muslim clerics. His 2019 trip to Morocco, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, focused on promoting religious tolerance and inclusion, urging respect for the rights of refugees and immigrants.
2019: Indian Ocean (Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mauritius): Turning his attention to Southern Africa in September 2019, Pope Francis addressed the pressing issues of poverty and environmental protection in Mozambique and Madagascar, regions acutely impacted by intensifying storms and cyclones exacerbated by climate change. In Mauritius, he encouraged inclusive economic policies to create opportunities for young people.
2023: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan: Amidst ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis in the DRC, Pope Francis's visit served as a powerful call for peace and reconciliation in a nation with the largest Catholic population in Africa (approximately 35 million). Despite health challenges necessitating a postponement, Congolese people turned out in massive numbers to welcome him. The South Sudan leg of the trip was marked by an extraordinary act of humility. Five years prior, Pope Francis had knelt and kissed the feet of the rival leaders, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, during a spiritual retreat at the Vatican, imploring them to uphold peace agreements. His 2023 visit aimed to reinforce this plea for lasting peace in Africa's youngest nation, which has been plagued by conflict since its independence. Even as his health declined in March 2025, Pope Francis penned another letter to the leaders, urging continued dialogue and peace.
While Pope Francis generally enjoyed cordial relations with African bishops and their representative associations, his progressive stance on certain social issues did encounter significant pushback. The landmark decision in December 2023 to authorize the blessing of same-sex couples, a historic move within the Church, was met with strong opposition from several African bishops' conferences.
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), led by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of the DRC, issued a firm statement rejecting the ruling, asserting that the union of same-sex or non-heterosexual people was "unacceptable" and that such blessings "must not be approved under any circumstances" due to deeply ingrained religious and cultural beliefs prevalent across the continent. Similar calls for the Vatican to reconsider the ruling came from bishops in Asia.
In response to this widespread criticism, Pope Francis, in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa, clarified that his emphasis was on blessing the individuals involved, not necessarily the union itself. "We are all sinners: Why then draw up a list of sinners who can enter the Church?" he reasoned. Specifically addressing the concerns from Africa, Pope Francis acknowledged the deeply cultural context, stating, "For them, homosexuality is something ‘bad’ from a cultural point of view; they don’t tolerate it."
Pope Francis's deep engagement with Africa leaves a complex but undeniably significant legacy. His numerous visits, his powerful denunciations of exploitation and injustice, and his unwavering support for the marginalized resonated deeply with millions across the continent. He amplified the voices of the African Church and consistently highlighted the continent's importance to the global Catholic community.
However, his progressive views on social issues, particularly regarding same-sex blessings, created a point of tension with many African bishops, reflecting the deeply rooted cultural and religious conservatism on these matters within many African societies. This difference in perspective underscores the diverse and evolving landscape of the Catholic Church globally.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his profound connection with Africa will undoubtedly be remembered. His commitment to the continent, his calls for peace and justice, and his recognition of the vital role of African Catholics in the future of the Church have left an indelible mark. The path forward for the Catholic Church in Africa, navigating its rapid growth and diverse perspectives on social issues, will continue to be shaped by the seeds of engagement and dialogue sown during Pope Francis's impactful papacy.
