Luanda: Religious leaders in Luanda expressed their dismay at the death of Pope Francis on Monday in the Vatican due to illness at the age of 88. Speaking to ANGOP, the bishop of the Anglican Church in Angola, Filomena Teta, emphasised the spiritual, moral and pastoral role that the Pope played during his pontificate.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the departure of Pope Francis has shaken Angolan society, particularly the College of Cardinals, the clergy, and the faithful. "At this moment of sorrow, we join in spirit with the Roman Catholic Church and all the faithful around the world, because Pope Francis was a person of great humility and wisdom. We give thanks for his life, ministry and legacy of faith and we ask God to comfort hearts and enlighten the steps of the Church in the continuity of the mission," Teta emphasised.
In turn, the secretary general of the Council of Christian Churches in Angola (CICA), Vladimir Agostinho, emphasised that with the death of Pope Francis, the world has lost one of the greatest icons in Christian history. "The world has lost a man of faith who devoted his life to spreading the holy message. Pope Francis was a historic figure in world Catholicism, which is why he will be remembered for his simplicity, love, apostolic courage and open doors to all. We will carry in our hearts the teachings he left us with his work, his gestures and his words," Agostinho added.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known as Pope Francis, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936. He was elected Pope on 13 March 2013.
