Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Catholic Church mourned the death of Pope Francis today with memorial mass and funeral rites at Lideta Catholic Cathedral. President Taye Atske Selassie, along with religious fathers from different denominations, attended the memorial funeral rites.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the funeral services of the pontiff were conducted at St. Peter’s Square, and he was laid to rest. President Taye signed the book of condolences and conveyed his deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis. He emphasized that Pope Francis was a true servant of God, caring for the oppressed and serving the world with love and compassion. President Taye also recalled the Pope’s swift responses to conflict-ridden nations, highlighting his role as a compassionate leader and his dedication to praying for the disadvantaged.
Addis Ababa Catholic Church Diocese’s auxiliary Bishop Tesfa Selassie praised the Pope as a devoted servant of God. He remembered him as a compassionate and humble leader who comforted
the grieving, assisted the needy, and tirelessly prayed and worked for global peace. Kesis Tagay Tadele, General Secretary of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of learning from Pope Francis’ legacy of assisting the needy and praying for peace.
Muluneh Tesfaye, a member of the church, stated that Pope Francis taught universal love without discrimination. Another attendee, Misrach Assefa, described the Pope as a compassionate figure who shared the sorrows of the victims.