Mozambique: President recalls Pope’s ‘tireless commitment’ to peace, justice

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Mozambique: President recalls Pope’s ‘tireless commitment’ to peace, justice

2:24 CAT | 21 Apr 2025

File photo: Lusa

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo sent his condolences to the Roman Catholic Church on the death of the Pope on Monday, recalling a spiritual leader with a “tireless commitment” to peace and social justice.

“At this moment, with hearts in shock, we join the world in bidding farewell to a leader whose light shone brightly, illuminating paths of faith and hope,” said Daniel Chapo, in a message released by the Mozambican presidency on Monday.

For Chapo, Pope Francis was a spiritual leader who fought for the marginalised, dedicating his life to a “tireless commitment” to justice, peace and fraternity.

“A pastor for all, he transcended the boundaries of the Roman Catholic Church, touching the soul of humanity with his message of love for God and neighbour. His voice, a true cry for justice, echoed in every corner of the planet, inspiring the building of bridges between cultures and religions,” the head of state added.

The president recalled the Pope’s visit to Mozambique in September 2019, on an apostolic journey through East Africa.

“His apostolic visit to Mozambique in September 2019 remains a cherished moment in national historiography. Arriving in Maputo amid the challenges of post-cyclone recovery and tensions in Cabo Delgado, his presence was a powerful symbol of hope,” Chapo added.

The most memorable moment of the visit to Mozambique was the celebration of a mass at the Zimpeto National Stadium, the country’s main stadium.

READ: Pope’s homily at Mass in Maputo: full text

President, dancers, crowds welcome Pope Francis to Mozambique

“Mozambique is a land of abundant natural and cultural riches, yet paradoxically, great numbers of its people live below the poverty level. And at times it seems that those who approach with the alleged desire to help have other interests. Sadly, this happens with brothers and sisters of the same land, who let themselves be corrupted. It is very dangerous to think that this is the price to be paid for foreign aid., who allow themselves to be corrupted,” Francis said at the time, during his homily at a mass attended by thousands of faithful on the outskirts of Maputo.

Pope Francis died today aged 88, after 12 years of a pontificate marked by the fight against sexual abuse, wars and a pandemic. Born in Buenos Aires on 17 December 1936, Francis was the first Jesuit to become head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Francis was hospitalised for 38 days due to bilateral pneumonia and was discharged on 23 March. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, the day before he died.

READ: Pope Francis has died, Vatican says

Source: Lusa