By Alicia Mmashakana
The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) has expressed its condolences alongside individuals and organisations globally following Pope Francis’ death.
It said as a proud product of the Jesuit Society, it was fitting that he adopted the name of Francis of Assisi upon his election as Pope, as a call for the Church to remain a shelter for the poor, a protector for the vulnerable and a voice for the voiceless.
Pope Francis, who died early Monday morning at the age of 88, was a citizen of the Global South, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He earned the title “Bishop of the Slums” due to his humility and advocacy for the poor.
He frequently visited the most rundown and crime-ridden neighbourhoods and advocated for missions to his diocese’s poorest areas.
Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela said on Wednesday that this was the same attitude he took to the Vatican where he lived simply in an apartment, rejecting the luxuries of office.
“He opened the doors of the Church to all and was outspoken on many issues including the unfolding humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the Sudan, the war in Ukraine, and of the LGBTQ+ community he boldly said, ‘Who am I to judge’.
“His Papacy was transformative. His calls to tackle sexual abuse within the Catholic Church must continue to be carried through,” she said in a statement.
“May his legacy live on as the world continues to witness the callous exploitation of workers, the poverty billions are condemned to for life, the violence unleashed against millions. Pope Francis’ call for justice must remain a clarion call for all. May it inspire humanity, employers and governments across the world to do better.”
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