President Lazarus Chakwera today paid a moving tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis during a Requiem Mass held at Maula Cathedral in Lilongwe, honoring the life and legacy of the late pontiff.
Speaking during the service, President Chakwera reflected on the profound personal support he received from Pope Francis during challenging moments of his presidency. He recalled their meeting, describing the late Pope as “a man of kindness, liberty, and unflinching courage.”
“The world lays to rest today a man of God,” President Chakwera declared, his voice filled with emotion as he addressed mourners gathered for the solemn occasion.
Highlighting the unique legacy of Pope Francis, President Chakwera noted that the Holy Father was a man of remarkable firsts.
“He was the first Pope from the Global South, the first from the Americas, the first from the Jesuit order, the first to celebrate Mass in Arabia, and the first to create a College of Cardinals that was not dominated by Europeans,” Chakwera stated.
The Mass was held in remembrance of Pope Francis’s lifelong commitment to promoting peace, compassion, and social justice across the globe. His leadership, particularly his efforts to bridge divides and uplift marginalized communities, left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world.
The atmosphere at Maula Cathedral was one of solemn reverence as congregants gathered to honor a leader whose influence transcended borders and touched millions of lives.
