Story by Abigirl Tembo
POPE Francis was laid to rest this Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, following a solemn funeral mass at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican attended by thousands of mourners, world leaders, and royals.
Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, a devout Catholic, was among the many world leaders, royals, and mourners who attended the funeral mass for Pope Francis.
He was accompanied by Zimbabwe’s top envoy to France and accredited ambassador to the Vatican, Ambassador Sekai Nzenza.
The funeral mass, presided over by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, one of the most senior figures in the Catholic Church, drew more than 400,000 attendees from across the globe.
Speaking after the service, Vice President Chiwenga paid tribute to the late Pontiff, highlighting his unwavering message of peace, love, and unity.
“Pope Francis will be remembered for his great values for preaching and encouraging every leader in this world to stay by the norm or by the principle of being peaceful. He preached peace. He did not want to see nations or countries at war, because war destroys and in the end, does not resolve anything.
“If you are at the end of the day, going to sit around the table and resolve your problems. Why did you fight in the first place? Why wouldn’t you have gone onto the round table and discussed your differences? This is what Pope Francis was preaching against, he always said let there be peace in the world and peace everywhere, even within the nations, even within the communities. There is a problem between brothers. You must be able to sit down and iron out the differences,” the Vice President said.
Vice President Chiwenga also emphasised the Pope’s concern for the poor and vulnerable, noting that he advocated for leaders to prioritise the welfare of their people.
“He was a man who wanted to see the poor looked after, but more importantly, he was encouraging leaders the world over never to leave their people going into abject poverty, but to do things that gives equality to the people and this is what Pope Francis was preaching against.”
Following the service, Pope Francis’ coffin made its final journey from St Peter’s Square, winding through the streets of Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, his designated resting place.
The burial ceremony marked the end of an era. Pope Francis’ enduring message of love, compassion, and peace will continue to inspire and guide people around the world.
