For Immediate Release
April 21, 2025
AFJN Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis
Washington, DC – Today, the Catholic Church mourns the loss of the beloved Pope Francis. His rather sudden passing comes after a short greeting in St. Peter’s Square following the Easter Sunday Mass. The Pope had been recovering from bilateral pneumonia that had hospitalized him for more than one month. The faithful, struggling to understand his sudden departure, remain hopeful in the light that is Christ’s Resurrection, especially on this Easter Monday.
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) a Catholic nonprofit organization that focuses on US-Africa relations made the following statement:
- “On behalf of the Africa Faith and Justice Network and the people of Africa, we are profoundly sad and we deeply mourn the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis on this very sad day.
- We honor his unwavering commitment to the vulnerable and his tireless efforts to promote peace, justice, and compassion.
- Like a shepherd, Pope Francis guided us with kindness and wisdom, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and the dignity of all human life.
- His visits to Africa brought joy and hope to our people, and his words inspired us to work towards a brighter future for all.
- We will miss his dedication to interfaith dialogue, his advocacy for the poor and the environment, and his call for us to be good stewards of God’s creation.
- May his legacy continue to inspire us to build a more just and peaceful world, where every person can live with dignity and respect.
- We express gratitude for his leadership and inspiration to the people of Africa.”
Sr. Nkechi Iwuoha, PHJC, AFJN Board Chair made the following statement:
- “Pope Francis as a good shepherd leaves for us a legacy of love by preaching the emancipation of the poor, marginalized, migrants and environment. May his words and deeds of love find voice through us as we continue to work for a just world where all are included and invited to the table of plenty; a feast of Heaven and earth where God has provided for all we need. We as the Africa Faith and Justice Network family therefore pray to the God of our African ancestors to continually help us to commit ourselves to living this legacy of love by our engagement in courageous conversations both in Africa and the USA on how together we can build a world where all can thrive.”
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The Africa Faith and Justice Network is a faith-based, non-partisan coalition of 32 US-based religious communities of men and women. Inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, the Africa Faith and Justice Network seeks to educate and advocate for just Africa-US relations that empower Africans to be agents of their own destiny, thriving in a just and equitable society. www.afjn.org
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Available for Interview:
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers
director@afjn.org
Contact: Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager