President Lazarus Chakwera has described the late Pope Francis as a humble servant who dedicated his life to helping the poor, serving the Church with devotion, working tirelessly, and demonstrating profound love.
The President made these remarks during a requiem Mass held at Maula Cathedral in Lilongwe, coinciding with the day Pope Francis was laid to rest in Italy.
Reflecting on his personal audience with the Pope four months ago at the Vatican, Dr. Chakwera said Pope Francis embodied true fatherhood and genuine ministry throughout his life. He extended his condolences to the Catholic faithful, urging them to find solace in the Pope’s remarkable legacy.
In his address, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of the Lilongwe Archdiocese expressed gratitude to President Chakwera and First Lady Monica Chakwera for their solidarity and presence during the funeral Mass. He also commended Catholic parishes across Lilongwe for holding Masses simultaneously in all 49 parishes, describing it as a powerful demonstration of unity among the faithful.
Archbishop Tambala further called on Catholics to continue praying for the soul of Pope Francis, asking God to grant him eternal rest.
Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th leader of the global Catholic Church from 2013. Born on December 17, 1936, he passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after battling organ failure and heart complications.
