Pope Francis, “humble fisher of souls”: Apostolic Nuncio in Angola on Legacy of Late Pontiff

The representative of the Holy Father in Angola noted that the Pontificate of the late Pope Francis was marked by a pedagogy of actions and “gestures”.

“With gestures that spoke louder than words, he blessed the wounds of humanity,” he said.

Regarding the late Pope Francis’s humility, the native of Poland’s Przemyśl Catholic Diocese noted that he “kissed” the feet of refugees and the feet of the peripheries at the center of the Kingdom.

“His life was magnificence for the poor, a song of hope for those who walk together in the shadows of history,” Archbishop Dubiel said.

Referring to the passing on of the late Pope Francis, the Apostolic Nuncio said, “It is true there is disappointment; it is news we did not expect. The Pope had faced and overcome major crises in recent months. On Easter Sunday, we saw him among the crowd, in the place he loved so much, on the central balcony of the Basilica, where he presented himself to the people.”

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The Polish Vatican diplomat said that despite the grief felt by the Universal Church in general and by the Archdiocese of Luanda in particular over the passing on of the Catholic Church’s shepherd, there is need to remain firm in faith and hope.

“We cannot help but be deeply saddened, to recollect ourselves, but also to be certain of hope. The Pope was called by the Risen Christ to enjoy His presence,” the Apostolic Nuncio said.

For him, “Pope Francis lived his illness without shame, assuming it as a great responsibility, yet always with unwavering commitment. Even on the most difficult days, he continued to work intensely through communications, documents, and messages up to the very end.”

“His great prayer for peace and for respect for human dignity was his last message. He began his journey among the people and ended it the same way, making an appeal for peace. He tirelessly strove to restore conditions of freedom and justice in the world in order to safeguard the dignity of every human being,” Archbishop Dubiel said.

He said that “the message Pope Francis wanted to leave is that of a Church increasingly open and participative, a Church that listens to the poor and involves them in the processes of goodness, so that culture becomes an instrument for the progress of both the Church and society.”

Rather than mourn, Archbishop Dubiel challenged the people of God in Angola to bless and thank God for the “prophetic sign” that the late Pope Francis represented.

“Today, as the particular Church of Angola, we bless the Father for this prophetic sign in our time. Our hearts overflow with gratitude for so much tenderness and care for our people,” he said.

The late Pope Francis passed on Easter Monday, April 21 aged 88; he was laid to rest on April 26 in his “beloved” Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major as he explained in his testament. He had suffered a stroke that was followed by a coma and an irreversible cardiovascular collapse. The late Pontiff had been struggling with double pneumonia and a respiratory infection.

As the Church enters the final preparatory phase for choosing her 267th Pope, the College of Cardinals announced on Monday, April 26 that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on May 7.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.