AMECEA: Pope Francis was a Beacon of Faith in the AMECEA Region: Chairman’s Eulogy
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Pope Francis’ passing has left a lasting impression on the Universal Church, particularly within the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region. The Chairman of the region, Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, emphasized that his legacy resonates deeply as a beacon of faith.
In a statement dated Monday, April 21, the Bishop of Solwezi Diocese in Zambia expressed that, “in AMECEA, we will always remember him as a humble, wise and fearless leader whose enduring legacy included his passion for a synodal Church; his advocacy for peace, dialogue and reconciliation which inspired hope in countries and communities affected by conflicts.”
The Chairman appreciated Pope Francis’ efforts for the several visits to the churches in the AMECEA region, including Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, “where he not only came out as a centre of unity for bishops but also a beacon of faith, God’s mercy and compassion.”
Paying his tribute on behalf of the Bishops in the Eastern Africa region, the Chairman pointed out that Pope Francis’ profound concern for the marginalized was evident in his compassionate outreach to refugees and migrants, emphasizing their dignity and the Church’s responsibility to welcome and integrate them.
His dedication to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, Bishop Kasonde said, was particularly impactful in Africa’s multireligious societies, promoting harmony and mutual respect among diverse faith communities. The AMECEA region will remember him as a fearless leader whose teachings and actions continue to inspire a commitment to justice, peace, and solidarity.
The Bishop narrated that the Holy Father’s dedication to environmental stewardship through encyclical letter Laudato Si’, the Pope “championed environmental stewardship, urging care for our common home and highlighting the interconnectedness of all creation.
“As we grieve this profound loss, we thank God for sending such a pastor, and we pray that his soul rest in eternal peace,” he concluded.
