Many tributes have poured in to the Archdiocese of Cape Town upon the announcement of the passing of Pope Francis, and can be found below. As new tributes come in they will be added to this page.
Audio Tribute from Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
From the Moderator of the Western Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church
To Cardinal Stephen Brislin and the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church in South-Africa.
Our dear brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church
Please accept herewith our deepest condolences with the passing of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025.
Pope Francis was, as church leader and follower of Christ, a living example of humility and care for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. His heart for the poor and needy stood out in a time of greed and self-interest. With great courage he engaged the complex issues of our day and he did not falter in the face of criticism. Following in the footsteps of the saint whose name he chose for himself, he also had a deep concern for creation, and he made the prophetic voice of the church heard on the ecological crisis the world currently faces.
As the Moderator of the Western Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church we pray that our Lord will comfort and guide you with his love and wisdom in this time.
Best regards
On behalf of the Moderator of the Western Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church
All are welcome to attend a Mass for Pope Francis at St Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday 23rd April at 12.00, to give thanks for our humble shepherd who touched the world with mercy and compassion.
Eternal rest grant unto him O, Lord. May he rest in peace.
Cardinal Stephen Brislin has requested that this communication from Fr David Neuhaus SJ, who is a member of the Christian ecumenical think tank of Jerusalemites, Jerusalem Voices for Justice, be communicated to all in our archdiocese, and beyond.
The Center for Pastoral Development invites the co-ordinator for Evangelization on your Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and one other person, either from the Evangelization team or another portfolio or ministry, to a workshop on Evangelization on 5 April 2025. If you can’t attend the meeting, please send an alternate so that your parish is represented by two participants.
Pope Francis says: ‘I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”’. (Evangeli Gaudium, p4) Evangelization enables people to have a personal encounter with Jesus. It is the primary mission of the Church.
We are inviting you to a gathering of teams co-ordinating the mission of Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Cape Town. There will be a chance to share experiences, opportunities to learn from each other, and to establish ways of collaborating and supporting each other. Information about resources that are available for this important mission will be shared.
As part of Jubilee 2025, and as Pilgrims of Hope, all parishes are invited to plant a tree during Lent. For further information on this please contact Berni Crewe-Brown on 082 855 5582 or bcb.laudatosi@gmail.com
Those involved in the Hospitality/ Ushering/ Wardens ministry and haven’t already received archdiocesan training are encouraged to join. Please RSVP via the link or click on the image below:
All Proclaimers of the Word are welcome to attend our upcoming workshop. Please follow the link or click on the image below for more information and to RSVP:
