A government team and many church leaders gathered at Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra on Friday, April 25 to hold a solemn memorial mass for the late Pope Francis.
The event brought together ministers, religious figures from various Christian groups, and a representative of the National Chief Imam in a display of shared respect and loss.
The mass took place in the heart of Accra as people from different backgrounds joined in mourning the death of the Bishop of Rome. Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing, was remembered by many around the world for his time as the head of the church. His death, confirmed by the Vatican on April 21, came as a deep loss to communities everywhere.
In preparation for his burial, scheduled at the Vatican on Saturday, April 26, attendees at the Cathedral offered prayers, sang hymns, and shared moving tributes in honor of the pontiff. The service was marked by a peaceful and reflective atmosphere, with everyone coming together to pay their respects and celebrate his life and work.
A delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa helped to guide the ceremony, reflecting a spirit of national unity and collaboration among different faiths. The gathering at Holy Spirit Cathedral served as a reminder of the widespread impact Pope Francis had during his leadership and the enduring sense of loss felt by many.