A wave of sorrow swept through the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra as parishioners reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Vatican announced on Monday, April 21, that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88, having recently been discharged from hospital following five weeks of treatment for an infection.

Many were overcome with emotion, recalling the Pope’s legacy of compassion, inclusivity, and devotion to the poor.

Speaking to JoyNews, one mourner shared:

“I’m sad. I was screaming in the crowd, very sad. There were tears in my eyes, and I pray to God that he should receive his soul, because he has been a wonderful Pope.”

Another parishioner remembered Pope Francis for his humility and progressive vision for the Church.

“I remember him for his love for the poor and his desire to open the Church. And we believe that God will grant us a successor who will continue his legacy.”

The sense of loss was deeply personal for many.

“He doesn’t discriminate, and when it is necessary for all of us Catholics to pray for something, he would come out openly and say so. I just felt that I have lost something. I’m hurt, in a way.”

The governing body which oversees the Italian top flight said the fixtures would be rearranged in due course.

Pope Francis was elected to lead the Catholic Church in 2013, replacing Pope Benedict XVI.

His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy, and for the faithful gathered in Accra, it is not just the loss of a pontiff, but of a spiritual father.