The Legion Maria of African Church has mourned Pope Francis as an ambassador for peace and a defender of the weak in society.
The Kenyan church said the departed leader of the Catholic Church was more than a leader but a symbol of unity and compassion.
“With hearts full of gratitude and reverence, the Legion Maria Episcopal Conference joins millions across the globe in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of His Holiness Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked humbly, loved deeply, and led courageously.
“Pope Francis was more than a leader of the Roman Catholic Church—he was a global symbol of unity, compassion, and faith in action. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, he brought to the Chair of St. Peter profound humility and a unique voice rooted in justice, mercy, and a boundless love for all humanity,” Legion Maria of African Church said in a statement dated April 24, 2025.
The Church also hailed the late Pope for the choice of his name, saying he lived according to the principles associated with the name.
“By choosing the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, the Pope signalled a commitment to simplicity, service to the poor, and reverence for creation. His leadership echoed the words of Christ:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Mark 10:43
“His historic visit to Nairobi in November 2015 was more than an apostolic journey—it was a moment of divine grace that touched the hearts of all Kenyans. He reminded us of our shared human dignity, calling for harmony across faiths, ethnicities, and nations. Pope Francis saw beyond walls and doctrines,” the statement added.
Pope Francis was known for his easy interaction with faithfuls from other religions, and the Legion Maria Church has pointed this out as a show of love.
“He saw the Church not as a fortress but as a field hospital, open to the wounded and weary of the world. He loved all churches and respected all religions. He extended his embrace to Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and people of no faith, championing dialogue over division and love over fear.
“In an age marked by conflict and polarization, Pope Francis was a tireless ambassador of peace, a voice for the voiceless, and a servant of the suffering. His dedication to the poor, refugees, the environment, and the marginalized will echo through generations,” the church statement added.
The Legion Maria Church said it stands united with all people of goodwill in mourning a father, a brother, and a friend to humanity.
“We thank God for the gift of his life and for the path he illuminated for the global Church and beyond. May the soul of Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire a world of compassion, humility, and hope,” it concluded.