Several prominent Malawians, including political leaders, have joined the rest of the world in sending message of condolence to the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis on Monday. He was 88.
The Pope’s death was announced the Vatican.
The Pontiff died after suffering from “stroke followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
Malawi President, Lazarus Chakwera and all major political parties in the country issued statements expressing their condolences.
On her part, Mary Chilima, wife of former Malawi Vice President, Saulosi, who died in plane crash last June took to social media where posted a picture of her late husband kneeling before the just departed Pontiff with a caption “Kumwamba n’kwabwino (Heaven is good)”.
Several religious denominations, leaders of civil society organisations and other thought leaders also sent messages of condolences to the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, just one day before his death. After a brief greeting, he delegated his Easter speech to the Vatican Master of Liturgical Ceremonies Diego Ravelli.
The final hours
The Vatican News reports that the Pope rested on Sunday afternoon and had a quiet dinner.
Around 5:30 AM, the first signs of the sudden illness appeared, prompting an immediate response from those keeping watch over him.
Around an hour later, after making a gesture of farewell with his hand to Mr. Strappetti, lying in bed in his second-floor apartment at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope fell into a coma.
According to those who were with him in his final moments, he did not suffer. It all happened quickly.
“His was a discreet death, almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm,” the Vatican news reported.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope’s death in a video message.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell stated.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
