By Peter Martey Agbeko, APR
The Catholic Church and the world are in mourning following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter, who died peacefully at the Vatican at the age of 88. The Holy Father, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first pope from the Global South and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. He passed away on Monday, April 21, after battling a prolonged illness with his characteristic humility, strength, and unwavering faith.
News of the Pope’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and gratitude across continents, especially among the poor, the marginalised, and those he served tirelessly throughout his pontificate. Ghana’s Catholic faithful joined millions around the world in offering prayers of thanksgiving for the life of a shepherd whose simplicity, courage, and radical mercy redefined papal leadership for the 21st century.
In a statement issued on April 21 by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Conference and Bishop of Sunyani, described Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God who never stopped calling the Church to go forth, to accompany the wounded, and to touch the suffering flesh of Christ in the poor.”
The GCBC expressed both sorrow and faith in the face of the Pope’s passing, calling on the clergy, consecrated persons, and all Christ’s faithful in Ghana to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. The statement read:
“As the Successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis served the Church with profound humility, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to the poor, to peace, and to the care of the environment, our common home. His life and ministry were a powerful witness to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and compassion.”
To honour his memory, the Conference announced that:
- A National Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a date to be announced, bringing together bishops, priests, religious, and the lay faithful in solemn unity.
- All archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes are encouraged to organize local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in his honour, as prayerful reflections on his teachings and life.
- Catholic schools, seminaries, and institutions are also invited to host prayer services, talks, or discussions—especially for the youth—to appreciate the Pope’s legacy.
Pope Francis’ decade-long pontificate was marked by passionate advocacy for peace, environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. From his groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’ on care for our common home to his bold reforms within the Vatican Curia, he embodied the Gospel call to compassion, fraternity, and authentic witness.
Catholics across Ghana remembered his historic visit to Africa, including his courageous journey to the Central African Republic, where in 2015—amid civil conflict—he opened the Holy Door during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Many young Catholics saw him as a spiritual grandfather who walked the talk—who preferred the smell of the sheep to the comfort of the palace.
The Holy See announced that funeral arrangements will take place in Rome later this week. The Vatican will observe nine days of mourning (novemdiales), culminating in a Requiem Mass attended by world leaders, cardinals, bishops, clergy, and the faithful.
In Accra and throughout Ghana’s dioceses, special memorial Masses will begin on Sunday to pray for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul. Catholics are invited to gather in their parishes, homes, and institutions to reflect on his message of mercy and to renew their commitment to the Gospel he proclaimed so faithfully.
As the Church prepares to elect his successor, we also lift up prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Requiescat in pace, Papa Francisco.
