24-04-2025
'He belonged to all of us': SA Catholics celebrate the life of Pope Francis
Despite the grey skies and cloudy weather, Johannesburg's Catholic community as well as that of other denominations gathered in the Cathedral of Christ the King on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, to honour the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The memorial Mass, presided over by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, was a solemn moment of prayer and remembrance, bringing together priests, laity and dignitaries from across the political spectrum.
Cardinal Brislin, who was due to travel to Rome shortly after a brief media appearance, was joined at the altar by Fr Paul Beukes OMI, vicar-general of the Archdiocese, Fr Jean Marie Kuzituka Did-Ho, chancellor, Fr Lawrence Ndlovu, the cathedral's administrator, and clergy from within and beyond the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.
Also present were Fr Robert Bissell, administrator of the Cape Town Cathedral and vicar-general of the Cape Town Archdiocese, and Juan Luis Cabral, the magistral delegate of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem [a Catholic order that aims to strengthen among its members the practice of Christian life, to sustain and aid the charitable, cultural and social works and institutions of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land].
Representatives from various political parties attended in solidarity with the Church and its faithful, including ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane, IFP member and deputy minister of transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, and Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko.
Sheldon Reddiar, Sacred Photos
'He belonged to all of us'
In his deeply moving homily, Cardinal Brislin reflected on the extraordinary life and spiritual leadership of Pope Francis, describing him as 'a man of mercy, humility and unwavering faith.'
'Thank you for being with us this morning at such short notice,' the cardinal began. 'We gather not only to pray for Pope Francis but to give thanks for the many blessings God gave us through his life and papacy.'
The cardinal emphasised Pope Francis' universal appeal and inclusive leadership, saying:
Pope Francis belonged to all of us, not just the Catholic Church. We are grateful for the presence of leaders of civil society, interfaith groups, and political representatives. His was a voice for the voiceless.
A life inspired by Saint Francis
Brislin recalled the significance of the name Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose at the beginning of his pontificate: Francis, in honour of the 12th-century saint known for his humility, care for the poor and love of creation. These values, he said, would define the pope's own mission.
'Saint Francis expressed utter trust in God. Pope Francis lived those same values. From the beginning, he challenged global leaders, economists, and ordinary people alike to rethink their treatment of the vulnerable,' Cardinal Brislin said.
He spoke movingly of Pope Francis' first pastoral visit in July 2013 to Lampedusa in Italy, where he mourned the plight of refugees.
The cardinal added that the late pope called on nations to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate migrants. Yet, discrimination and scapegoating continue. Pope Francis did not look away—he walked with the marginalised.
Mercy at the heart of the pope's message
The homily highlighted the pope's unwavering message of compassion.
'Francis never condoned sin, nor did he seek to change doctrine,' Cardinal Brislin said. 'But he understood humanity's fragility. He often called himself a sinner in need of prayer. Mercy was at the heart of his papacy.'
The Cardinal noted that despite criticism—even from within the Church—Pope Francis remained joyful, with his warm smile and humour as enduring trademarks.
He was attacked, called a heretic and a populist, mostly from within the Church. But he did not waver. His teachings were simple yet profound—he spoke so everyone could understand.
Cardinal Brislin addressed the criticism surrounding the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis' call for a more listening and discerning Church.
'Some thought the Synod was an abdication of leadership, but they misunderstood. Pope Francis reminded us: we must listen to the Holy Spirit and to each other. We are all Church—laity, priests, deacons, and bishops. Together, we share Christ's mission.'
The cardinal also praised Pope Francis' courage in confronting global injustice.
'His voice rang out against war, violence and the arrogance of power. He called for dialogue and peace. He was not afraid to defend our common home, the Earth.'
He also expressed deep gratitude for the pope's love of Africa.
'He visited some of the poorest and most conflict-ridden nations, always bringing a message of hope. His devotion to Our Lady was so profound that he asked to be buried, not in St Peter's, but at the Basilica of St Mary Major.'
Cardinal Brislin concluded with words that encapsulated the late pope's life:
Pope Francis believed in the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. He was weary of flattery. What mattered most to him was serving God through serving others—especially the most forgotten.
A lasting impact on political and spiritual leaders
At a press briefing following the Mass, Cardinal Brislin, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, said before rushing for his flight to Rome:
'We join the Universal Church in mourning Pope Francis. We are deeply grateful to God for giving us such a strong, deeply spiritual leader, a man rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, grounded in the Gospel. His death came a day after he once again turned to the world to seek peace, a fitting final public message for a man whose papacy was defined by his tireless call to return to our humanity.'
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Pope Francis as 'a great icon of our times, someone who always stood for the voiceless. He highlighted Africa's struggles, spoke for refugees, and condemned global conflict. His legacy is a blueprint for all leaders—religious or political.'
Mokonyane, a member of the St Anne Sodality, said:
'As Catholics, we were blessed to be led by Pope Francis. He taught us to embrace diversity and become a Church of the poor. His teachings will guide how I serve the Church, my community, and the Sodality.'
Despite the solemn mood of this memorial Mass, Catholics around the world find comfort in the fact that Pope Francis passed away during the Easter Season — the heart of our Christian faith in the resurrection of Christ and the hope that he is now joyfully received by Jesus and his predecessors in heaven.
