South Sudanese like the rest of the world mourn Pop Francis who was declared to have died after battling double pneumonia.
Francis had been hospitalized in February with bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia.
After 38 days at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, he returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery.
However, on Monday the Vatican declared his death at the age of 88.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pope’s death from the Casa Santa Marta.
“This morning (Monday) at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in the statement.
His death comes after he appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square on Sunday to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.
“With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”
As world mourn, office of the Cardinal Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla issued a solemn announcement about the death of the Pope reiterating he dedicated his life to serving God and Humanity.
“It is with deep sorrow that i announce the passing of our Holy Father Pope Francis who passed away this morning. Pope passed away at 7:35 A.M in Vatican City” the statement partly read.
The cardinal expressed that Pope Francis contributed to the church and the world.
“He (Pope) championed the cause of the marginalized, advocated for justice and reconciliation and inspired millions with his message of love and Mercy” the statement read.
“Let us join together in prayer. Offering our condolences and seeking solace in our shared faith during this time of Mourning. May the soul of the pope rest in eternal Peace” he added
Following the news of Pope’s death, various leaders took to social media to mourn the head of the Catholic Church.
The pope had a history of respiratory issues dating to his youth in Argentina, where part of his lung was removed in 1957 due to a severe infection.
In recent years, he frequently battled respiratory illnesses, including a November 2023 case of influenza and lung inflammation that forced him to cancel a trip to the United Arab Emirates.
In April 2024, Francis approved updates to the liturgical book governing papal funeral rites. The revised rites emphasize simplicity and focus on faith in the Resurrection, rather than worldly pomp.
“The renewed rite seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, not of a powerful person of this world,” said Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal liturgical ceremonies.
In 2023, Pope Francis visited Juba under ecumenical Pilgrimage where he made South Sudanese leader with hope to ensure peace and stability in the country.
