President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described the death of Pope Francis as a loss to humanity, remembering him as an extraordinary leader of faith who led with compassion, courage, and integrity.

The head of the Catholic Church died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.  

President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that Pope Francis’s ascension to the position of Head of the Vatican in 2013 would remain ingrained in the memories of Namibians as he was the first Pope from the Global South, known for his focus on socio-economic issues affecting the developing world.  

“We shall forever recall his simplicity and the wise spiritual guidance he emphasized in addressing the challenges facing humanity. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I extend sincere condolences to the Vatican, the entire Catholic Church community, and his family,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.  

The Head of State added that Pope Francis’s passing during Easter, a time when Christians reflect on renewal and hope, “reminds us of the need to redouble our efforts in favor of the most vulnerable to ensure a just and fairer humanity.”

Pope Francis was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, which has a global following of over 2.4 billion people.