The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has issued a condolence message following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In a statement released Tuesday 22 April 2025, the Church joined the global Christian community in mourning the Pontiff. They recognised his profound impact on Christendom and the wider world.
Biblical Comfort in Mourning
The message, signed by the Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, opened with the comforting words from Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” This verse, therefore, sets a tone of reverence and acknowledges the significance of Pope Francis’s life and passing.
“With deep sorrow and heartfelt sympathy,” the statement further reads, “the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon joins the global Christian community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a faithful, devoted shepherd and servant of God.”
Acknowledging Pope Francis’s Global Impact
The Church also highlighted Pope Francis’s leadership style and the far-reaching impact of his ministry. “Pope Francis led the Church with humility, wisdom, and a compassionate heart that reached far beyond the Roman Catholic fold,” the message stated. They further emphasised his “unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being,” recognising the lasting legacy he leaves for both Christians and the world at large.
Offering Prayers and Solidarity to the Roman Catholic Church
Addressing their “brothers and sisters of the Roman Catholic Church, and to all who are grieving this profound loss,” the Presbyterian Church acknowledged the somber timing of his death, which occurred on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. “We know it was an Easter Monday morning of sorrow; we can only extend our prayers and solidarity,” the message conveyed. They offered words of comfort and spiritual support, praying that “the God of all comfort be your strength, and may His peace guard your hearts in this time of sorrow.”
Inspiration for Continued Faithfulness
Looking ahead, the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon expressed hope and inspiration from Pope Francis’s life and work. “As we celebrate the life, work and witness of Pope Francis, may we all be inspired to walk more faithfully with Christ, until that day when we shall meet again in glory,” the statement concluded.
A Message of Comfort and Hope
The message ends with the sentiment, “In Christ’s comfort and hope,” and is signed, “Yours for the Love of Christ, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, MODERATOR.”
This expression of sympathy from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon is one of the many signs of the ecumenical respect and recognition Pope Francis garnered across different Christian denominations during his time as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His emphasis on compassion, justice, and human dignity resonated with people of faith and goodwill worldwide.
