Church bells echoed across the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, as Catholics mourned the death of Pope Francis.
The pontiff, who visited the nation in 2023, was remembered as a powerful advocate for the marginalized.
In Our Lady of the Congo Cathedral, mourners expressed disbelief and deep sorrow, recalling his compassion and concern for their country.
DR Congo, with its large Catholic population, deeply valued Pope Francis’s outspokenness against corruption and the exploitation of its vast mineral wealth.
His calls for peace resonated strongly amidst decades of conflict, particularly in the eastern region, where the M23 armed group’s advance has exacerbated humanitarian crises.
Congolese citizens vividly recalled his 2023 visit, where he condemned “economic colonialism” and championed Africa’s dignity.
Many felt he gave voice to their suffering, drawing global attention to their plight. Father Camille Esika, the Kinshasa cathedral’s rector, described the pope’s death as a “great loss” for the world’s poor.
Even non-Catholics joined in mourning, recognizing him as a significant global figure and a symbol of positive influence.