By Ginaba Lino
The Catholic Church in Sudan and South Sudan is in mourning following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Apostolic Nunciature Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan together with His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, announced the Pope’s death during a press conference held at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba.
A Church Bells were rung many time to alerts the congregation on the tragic loss of the Pope who visited South Sudan in 2023.
Apostolic Nunciature Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan said Pope Francis visit to South Sudan give a great memory to the believers and shown their love for peace in this nation.
“Pope Francis spent some days with us two years ago and his message to the religious and political leaders was clear, make peace with one another,”
Cardinal Ameyu called on the faithful to pray for the soul of the Holy Father, offering condolences and encouraging people to seek solace in their faith during this time of profound loss.
“Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of love, humility, and service,” Cardinal Ameyu said. “He championed the cause of the marginalized, promoted justice and reconciliation, and inspired millions around the world with his message of peace.”
He emphasized that Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by deep compassion for the poor, a call to care for creation, and efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and global harmony.
As funeral arrangements are underway, Cardinal Ameyu noted that the Vatican will formally notify diplomatic missions accredited to the Holy See and the heads of states about the Pope’s passing. The College of Cardinals will gather in Rome to begin the process of electing a new pope.
“The Dean of the College of Cardinals will convene all members for the Congregations of the College,” he added.
Locally, a special prayer Mass will be held for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at St. Theresa Cathedral in Kator, Juba, on Friday at 9:00 AM.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the Pope’s death at 9:45 AM from Casa Santa Marta. The Pope had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis. His condition worsened, and by February 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
After spending 38 days in the hospital, Pope Francis returned to Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. Despite initial signs of improvement, his health declined in the weeks that followed.
Notably, the late pontiff had experienced respiratory issues earlier in life. In 1957, at the age of 21, he underwent surgery in Argentina to remove part of his lung due to a severe infection.