The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins people across the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis.
The first non-European Pope in more than a millennium and first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis’ papacy was bound to be different from the start. He provided a voice for the billions of downtrodden, in particular in developing nations.
A proud product of the Jesuit Society, it was fitting that he adopted the name of Francis of Assisi upon his election as Pope, as a call for the Church to remain a shelter for the poor, a protector for the vulnerable, and a voice for the voiceless.
A citizen of the Global South, Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he earned himself the title, Bishop of the Slums, because of his humility and advocacy for the poor. He regularly visited the most rundown and crime ridden neighbourhoods, and championed missions to the poorest parts of his diocese.
This is the same attitude he took to the Vatican where he lived simply in an apartment, rejecting the luxuries of office. He opened the doors of the Church to all and was outspoken on many issues including the unfolding humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the Sudan, the war in Ukraine, and of the LGBTQ+ community he boldly said, “Who am I to judge.”
His Papacy was transformative. His calls to tackle sexual abuse within the Catholic Church must continue to be carried through.
He was a Pope of the people as demonstrated by his last appearance on Easter Sunday, symbolically as Christians honoured Easter. Pope Francis spoke of peace in his last message.
May his legacy live on as the world continues to witness the callous exploitation of workers, the poverty billions are condemned to for life, the violence unleashed against millions; Pope Francis’ call for justice must remain a clarion call for all. May it inspire humanity, employers and governments across the world to do better.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za