A Darkened Day: Mourning Pope Francis in Democratic Republic of Congo
Catholics in the Democratic Republic of Congo express their sentiments, stating, "He resides deeply in our hearts," upon learning of Pope Francis' demise.
Easter Monday, a day usually filled with joy and celebration, took a somber turn in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The news of the demise of Pope Francis, aged 88, cast a pall over the nation, where almost half the population is Roman Catholic.
Shock and Sorrow in Kinshasa
Following the announcement, churches throughout the capital, Kinshasa, tolled their bells in sadness. Faithful like Philomène braved the rain to attend a special mass at the Cathedral Notre-Dame du Congo in memory of Pope Francis. Recalling his 2023 visit, she said, "The Pope's phrase ‘take your hands off Africa, take your hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo’ will forever be engraved in our memory".
Under the shade of a tree, congregants shared their feelings of loss. Chancel, one of them, still struggles with the news, "It hurts, frankly. It hurts." Grath, another, recalled the joy that enveloped the people during the Pope's visit in 2023. He noted, "The people were so happy. They were singing... It was really necessary for the Pope to come to our country, because our country is going through a moment of aggression."
A Loving Advocate for the Suffering
According to Father Camille Esika, rector of the cathedral, Pope Francis was revered both as the head of the Church and as a voice speaking out for the sufferings of the DR Congo. Hisstanding was unique, as he combined religious influence with a deep understanding of the country's struggles.
A Blessing to Remember
Tributes poured in from various quarters, including government officials, who referred to the Pope as a "tireless ally of the DRC". His historic visit from January 31 to February 3, 2023, will long be remembered for the hope it brought to Congolese hearts, even amidst ongoing conflict and hardship. His selfless advocacy for peace, justice, and an end to exploitation remains a beacon of inspiration.
- In spite of the Vatican announcements about Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday, Kinshasa's churches continued to toll their bells, not in celebration, but in mourning.
- The Cathedral Notre-Dame du Congo held a special mass in memory of Pope Francis, where faithful like Philomène attended, inspired by his visit in 2023 when he said, "Take your hands off Africa, take your hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo."
- Under a tree beside the Cathedral, congregants gathered to share their feelings of sadness and loss, with Chancel remarking, "It hurts, frankly. It hurts." and Grath recalling the joy the people experienced during the Pope's visit in 2023, a time when the country was facing conflict and hardship.
- Father Camille Esika, the cathedral's rector, highlighted Pope Francis as both a religious figure and an advocate for the Democratic Republic of Congo, combining religious influence with a deep understanding of the country's struggles.
- Officials and governments paid tribute to Pope Francis as a tireless ally of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his historic 2023 visit from January 31 to February 3 will be remembered as a blessing that brought hope to Congolese hearts, even during challenging times with ongoing conflicts and political turmoil.
- Pope Francis's selfless advocacy for peace, justice, and an end to exploitation remains a beacon of inspiration for cultural travelers seeking to learn about the region's general news, war and conflicts, and politics, offering important insights into the country's rich lifestyle and cultural travel experiences.
