Mourners gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral in the capital to honour the life and legacy of the late Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was remembered as a compassionate leader and a true shepherd to all—without discrimination.

Father Mathias Tshithigona, who had the privilege of knowing the late pontiff personally, described him as a humble man who embraced simplicity in all aspects of his life.

“He had a deep love for the poor and was committed to peace and justice,” Tshithigona said.

He went on to share how Pope Francis chose to live modestly, turning down the traditional papal residence for a guesthouse called Casa Santa Marta. “While most popes resided in the grand Papal Palace, he chose a humble guesthouse. Even the symbolic red shoes worn by popes to represent their supreme authority—he declined those and wore ordinary shoes instead. He urged bishops and priests to avoid extravagance, even discouraging the use of expensive cars.”

Tshithigona also recalled how the pope would dedicate his Thursdays to acts of service, washing the feet of prisoners, and reaching out to the marginalized—including sex workers and street children.

“Pope Francis touched many lives through his words of healing and his actions of love,” he said.

Beyond his personal humility, the late pope is credited with fostering global unity within the Church. “He taught us how to walk together in faith,” Tshithigona noted.

“I remember him as a man of humility, simplicity, and love. My message to fellow Christians, especially Catholics, is this: let us mourn him with faith, remembering him as a man deeply rooted in belief. As we mark this Jubilee Year of Hope, let us celebrate his life with gratitude and prayer.”