By Fr. Johnston Z. Mlambo
Harare – Following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Monday at the Vatican’s St. Martha House, diplomats and dignitaries in Zimbabwe have been paying their respects at the Apostolic Nunciature in Harare. The Papal Nuncio to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Janusz Stanisław Urbańczyk, has been receiving messages of condolence from across the diplomatic corps, with many remembering the late Pope for his humility, commitment to dialogue, and tireless advocacy for peace in a world afflicted by conflict.
The Apostolic Nunciature opened the official book of condolences on 22 April 2024, drawing representatives from a broad spectrum of countries and religious traditions.
The Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe, H.E. Per Lindgärde, honoured the Pope’s moral leadership in his message:
“Pope Francis will be remembered for his humility, his fight against poverty and social injustice, and his defence of human dignity.”
Mrs. Eleni Koumides, President of the Federation of the Hellenistic Communities of Zimbabwe, highlighted Pope Francis’s efforts to bridge centuries-old divides:
“Deepest condolences for the loss of Pope Francis — the Pope who loved and respectfully treated Catholics and Orthodox alike. The Pope who tried peacefully to bring both churches together.”
Mr. Nestoras Nestoros, Honorary Consul of Cyprus, echoed those sentiments, noting the Pope’s ecumenical outreach:
“His Holiness was instrumental in promoting dialogue between the churches. His close relationship with His Beatitude, the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, was catalytic in bringing the two churches closer.”
The Secular Franciscan Order of Zimbabwe also mourned the Pope’s passing, with National Minister and International Councillor, Inviolata Serenika Nhunduru, reflecting on his advocacy for the vulnerable and the planet:
“Pope Francis will be remembered for his deep concern for the marginalised and his care for the environment.”
Representing the Muslim world, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. Jassim Al Qasimi, praised the Pope’s universal appeal and vision for peace:
“His unwavering commitment to peace, compassion and interfaith dialogue has profoundly touched lives around the world.”
South Sudan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Thomas Vigilis Jada, paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, whose efforts for peace left an indelible impact on the young nation:
“His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of peace and humility. He left a mark in our country. His visit to South Sudan together with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland in 2023, and his act of humanity on reconciliation among our leaders in 2019, will remain in the hearts of the people of South Sudan whenever we deviate from the implementation of peace.”
Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome, served as pontiff for over a decade, breaking new ground in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, championing the cause of the poor, and calling the global community to environmental stewardship through his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Harare will continue to receive messages of condolence throughout the week as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in mourning the loss of a spiritual leader whose legacy transcended borders and faith traditions.
Meanwhile, a Holy Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Harare on 24 April 2025. The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Harare, His Grace Robert Ndlovu, presided over the Mass, while the Papal Nuncio to Zimbabwe delivered the homily.
Referencing the rich body of encyclicals and apostolic exhortations authored by the late Pontiff, the Nuncio highlighted Pope Francis’ humility and model of servant leadership. He also spoke of the Pope’s deep concern for migrants and his unwavering commitment to care for the environment.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Robert Ndlovu fondly remembered Pope Francis as a shepherd who showed genuine care and concern for the faithful. He recalled how, during their ad limina visits, after reading the formal written reports, Pope Francis would set them aside and personally ask how the Church in Zimbabwe was doing, how the faithful were faring, and would exhort the bishops to take good care of the people of God.
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the memory of his compassion, humility, and unwavering call for peace remains a guiding light.
In this Jubilee Year of Hope, his legacy challenges us all to walk forward as true pilgrims of hope—bridging divides, healing wounds, and building a world where every human life is honoured and every voice heard.
Though Pope Francis has completed his earthly journey, the path he marked with love and courage continues to inspire a Church and a world in search of light.
