The African Union Commission, led by its President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed deep sorrow upon receiving news of the passing of Pope Francis. At the age of 88, the first Latin American pontiff succumbed to complications from bilateral pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy as a staunch advocate for peace, justice, compassion, and human dignity.

In an official statement, Youssouf hailed the Pope as “an eminent moral figure of our time.” On behalf of the African Union, its member states, and the people of Africa, he extended heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the global Catholic community, and all those inspired by Pope Francis’s extraordinary life of service, humility, and spiritual leadership.

The statement underscored the Pope’s unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, serving the marginalized, addressing climate justice, fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and bridging divides where others saw barriers. Youssouf emphasized that Francis’s moral clarity brought hope to a fractured world and that his legacy will echo through generations.

Highlighting his connection to the African continent, Youssouf commended the Pope’s dedication to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing reconciliation and solidarity, and advocating for those affected by conflict and poverty.

As the global community mourns this profound loss, the African Union joined in honoring a life that embodied faith in action, offering prayers for comfort and strength to all who grieve. The statement concluded with a heartfelt wish for Pope Francis’s eternal rest in peace.

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