By Yiep Joseph
South Sudanese joins rest of the world to mourn Pop Francis who was declared dead on Easter Monday, 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 S.t Peter’s Square on Sunday to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.
As world mourn, Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, issued a solemn announcement on the death of the Pope.
Office of the Cardinal, Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla reiterated that late Pope Francis 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 reads in part.
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.
Meanwhile, following announcement of Pope Francis’ 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 leaders with hope to ensure peace and stability in the country.