Written by: SACOFF
Article source: Supplied
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF), under the leadership of our founder Pastor Bert Pretorius, joins millions around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis was a global symbol of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. His leadership was marked by a commitment to peace, justice, and unity among all people, regardless of background or belief. He was a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for the marginalized, and a bridge-builder among nations and religions.
As the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy, Pope Francis brought a new tone of inclusivity and social justice to the global Catholic Church. His papacy was distinguished by groundbreaking efforts to address climate change, challenge systemic inequality, and promote interfaith dialogue. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent global environmental action and remains a foundational text in faith-based ecological advocacy.
He championed the cause of migrants and refugees, often reminding the world of their humanity and dignity.
Pope Francis also took significant steps in addressing past injustices within the Church, launching efforts toward transparency and accountability. His calls for synodality and greater involvement of laypeople, including women, in church leadership, sparked hope for reform and renewal.
His humility was unmatched — choosing to live in a modest guesthouse rather than the traditional papal apartments, and consistently advocating for a “poor Church for the poor.”
On behalf of our 216 member faith-based organisations and over 17,000 churches represented across South Africa, SACOFF honours the life, witness, and work of Pope Francis. We extend our deepest condolences to the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the global Christian community.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15 (NKJV)
May his memory continue to inspire leaders and believers to walk in faith, humility, and love for humanity.
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
> Please support Christian media and journalism in South Africa. Help us to spread the Word of God and take a stand for the truth by making a donation to our ministry. We appreciate your support. Click here to take hands with JOY! Magazine.
Date published: 22/04/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.flickr.com
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
Interesting take for an individual who said he would baptise aliens (the little green demons not foreigners)..who told a little boy his dead atheist father would see heaven because he baptised his siblings.