Mass for the repose of the soul of the Holy Father, Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Pope Square
Pope Francis: A Servant of Compassion and Conviction
On the poignant First Friday after Easter, the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at Pope Square stood solemn in mourning, yet radiant with remembrance.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, His Excellency Gian Luca Perici, together with the Archbishop of Lusaka, Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda, led the faithful in a deeply reverent Mass to honor the life and legacy of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Among those present were President Hakainde Hichilema, senior government officials, priests, religious, and lay faithful from across the Archdiocese.
“We are united by the loss of a shepherd, a teacher, and a friend to humanity,” Archbishop Banda said in his heartfelt homily.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ servant-leadership, the Archbishop emphasized humility and compassion: “He reminded us that true power lies in humility, and leadership means lifting others.” He quoted the late Pontiff, saying, “Rivers do not drink their own water… life is better when others are happy because of you.”
Dr. Banda described Pope Francis as a man who “lived mercy, preached justice, and walked with the poor.” He praised the Pope’s bold advocacy on social and economic justice, his stance against neo-colonialism, and his commitment to environmental stewardship—calling it a fulfillment of Scripture: “The greatest among you must be your servant” (cf. Mt 23:11).
“He embraced the disabled, welcomed migrants, and washed the feet of prisoners,” the Archbishop continued. “These were not mere symbolic acts, but living expressions of a Church that listens before it speaks, walks before it preaches, and embraces before it judges.”
In his address, President Hichilema paid tribute to the Pope’s enduring legacy: “Pope Francis was a beacon of peace, humility, and compassion. His message transcended borders and touched the hearts of millions, including here in Zambia.”
The Mass was marked by deep reverence and collective prayer for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul. The President urged the nation to emulate the Pope’s example of selfless service and love for humanity, calling for a renewed spirit of unity and reflection.