Pope Francis and Africa: A legacy of Unity and Compassion across the continent

Department of Research, Studies and International News 23-04-2025

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, left an indelible mark on Africa, a continent often described as the future of Catholicism due to its vibrant and growing Catholic population. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s Catholics live in Africa, and Pope Francis made it a central focus of his papacy, earning admiration from African governments and citizens alike.

His passing has been deeply felt across Africa. Leaders such as Kenya’s President William Ruto praised him for embodying “servant leadership,” recognizing his commitment to social justice and the marginalized. During his tenure, Francis undertook five pastoral visits to Africa, visiting ten countries, often those suffering from conflict, poverty, and climate-related challenges. His approach was hands-on, humble, and people-centered.

In 2015, he made a historic trip to Kenya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic. In Kenya, he visited Nairobi’s impoverished Kangemi neighborhood, where he criticized economic inequality and called out exploitative elites. In Uganda, he was warmly welcomed with cultural celebrations, and his compassion shone through as he blessed children and visited centers for the disabled. In the war-torn CAR, he ventured into a Muslim-majority neighborhood previously considered dangerous for Christians. His message of peace and reconciliation resonated deeply and helped lay the groundwork for a national peace accord.

Between 2017 and 2019, Pope Francis expanded his outreach to North and Southern Africa. In Egypt, he supported the embattled Coptic Christian minority and encouraged interfaith dialogue with Islamic scholars. His 2019 visit to Morocco, upon the invitation of King Mohammed VI, underscored his advocacy for religious tolerance and immigrant rights. Later that year, he visited Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mauritius, calling for social equality and environmental protection, a message welcomed by communities impacted by climate disasters.

In 2023, despite health challenges, he visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The DRC, home to Africa’s largest Catholic population, welcomed him with overwhelming support. His visit was a powerful call for peace and national unity in a country long plagued by armed conflict. In South Sudan, his long-standing dedication to reconciliation was evident. Years earlier, he had kissed the feet of rival leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar during a Vatican retreat, urging them to honor peace commitments. He maintained this stance in a heartfelt letter shortly before his death.

Though Pope Francis maintained good relations with African clergy, some of his decisions, particularly regarding the blessing of same-sex couples, drew criticism from African bishops. Despite the pushback, he emphasized compassion and inclusion, advocating for the Church to remain open to all believers while respecting local cultural sensitivities.

As China continues to build respectful and cooperative relations across Africa, the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect that Pope Francis fostered complements these diplomatic efforts. His papacy, while marked by theological debates, stood firmly for peace, social justice, and cultural engagement, values that align with China’s long-standing policy of mutual development and non-interference.

Pope Francis’s legacy in Africa will be remembered as one of healing, hope, and humanity.