ERITREA: Eritreans Mourn Pope Francis: Tributes from All Faiths Honor His Legacy
Evangelical Church representative and Sheik Salem Ibrahim
By Zerayohannes Ghebrehiwet
Condolences have poured in from across Eritrea following the death of Pope Francis, with both Catholics and non-Catholics honoring his legacy of humility, compassion, advocacy for justice, and environmental care.
In the Catholic Archeparchy of Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, mourners gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary to offer prayers and pay their respects. The Catholic community organized a memorial Mass, while interfaith leaders joined in commemorating the Pope’s efforts to promote dialogue and peace. His visits to Africa and messages of solidarity with the marginalized have left a lasting impression on many Eritreans, who remember him as a spiritual leader committed to unity and dignity for all.
His Grace Archbishop Menghisteab Tesfamariam, the President of the Council of the Catholic Hierarchs of Eritrea and Metropolitan Archbishop of Asmara, has sent a condolence message to the Secretariat of State of the Vatican City saying, “The Holy Father is going to be remembered for his commitment to the cause of the poor and the marginalized, justice and peace, Christian Unity and Care for Creation.”
He continued, “The Council of the Catholic Hierarchs and the whole catholic church in Eritrea are praying for Pope Francis, asking God, our Merciful Father, to say to him, ‘Well done! My good and faithful servant, since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy,” (Mt 25:21).
Ministers, government officials, Ambassadors and Core Diplomats, Representatives of United Nations Agencies, representatives of religious leaders, religious communities, and faithful visited signed the condolences book to honor the late Pope.
“My sincerest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. He stressed the importance of cultivating hope and trust in each other. He encouraged people to look beyond differences and to embrace the shared humanity that connects us. These are messages rooted in the shared values of the United States. May he rest in peace,” the US Ambassador in Eritrea shared his eulogy.
“Pope Francis was more concerned about the poor and destitute; may his soul rest in peace, and I extend my condolences to all the Catholic faithful,” a representative from the Ministry of Education mourned the Holy Father.
On his side, the representative from the Evangelical Church said, “God’s servants’ reward is in heaven; we missed a faithful servant of God.”
From the UNDP representative, “I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Community in Eritrea and the world at large on the passing of Pope Francis. While we pray for his gentle soul to rest in peace, we pray for all of us to have peace to bear the loss. RIP Papa!”
