By Linda Kwanjana
The state President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has described the Pope Francis as a symbol of unity and humbleness.
Chakwera said this at Maula Cathedral in Lilongwe, where he attended a Requiem Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis.
He said Pope Francis’ unique background significantly shaped his papal leadership. The President said as the first pope from the Global South, the Americas, and the Jesuit order, he brought a distinctly different perspective to the Vatican.
“His background emphasized humility, simplicity, and inclusivity – evident in his choice to live in a guest house instead of the papal palace and his efforts to create a more diverse College of Cardinals. He broke traditional barriers by blessing previously marginalized groups, using modern communication like Twitter, and celebrating mass in regions not typically associated with dominant Christianity,” he said.
He said His approach focused on serving the poor, marginalized, and weak, reflecting a more progressive and compassionate interpretation of religious leadership.
According to President Chakwera his Argentinian Jesuit roots instilled in him a commitment to social justice and a down-to-earth, approachable style that contrasted sharply with more formal papal traditions.
