Monday, April 21, 2025 was a day of sorrow and disbelieve for Catholics around the world as they woke up to the sad news of the head of the Catholic Church in the World, His Holiness, Pope Francis Jorge Mario Bergoglio who died at around 7:35 a.m. at his resident in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
The death of the Argentine-born pope (Holy Father) came as a shock, as many saw him during the Easter celebration mass at the Vatican on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
According to Vatican news, the death of the Pope came as a surprise after spending thirty-eight days in the hospital battling a severe case of double pneumonia. His death marks the end of a complex and often turbulent papacy defined by bold reforms, internal tensions, and a relentless focus on the poor and marginalized.
Elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the late Pope Francis will be remembered as a leader who challenged centuries-old traditions in a bid to modernize the Church and bring it closer to the faithful across the globe.
The Catholic Pope was the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in modern Catholicism. For their part, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (CABICOL) has described the death of the Holy Father as a “profound loss,” saying that it has reverberated throughout the global Catholic community, eliciting expressions of sorrow and tribute from believers and leaders alike.
CABICOL release dated April 21, 2025, stated that Pope Francis was a figure of immense significance not only in the Vatican but also in countries around the world, including Liberia.
The Catholic Bishops Conference said that the Holy Father’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the promotion of human dignity endeared him to millions.
“Under his leadership, the Catholic Church made strides in numerous social justice initiatives, interfaith dialogues, and efforts aimed at bridging divides in conflict-ridden regions,” the Bishops narrated.
In it release, CABICOL explained that in Liberia, the impact of Pope Francis’ papacy was particularly felt in his support for peace-building initiatives, especially in a nation with its own history of conflict.
The Catholic faithful in Liberia remember him for his compassionate outreach and encouragement, fostering a sense of hope and resilience within the country. As the news of his passing spreads, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia has called for a period of reflection and prayer.
