His Holiness Pope Francis passed away peacefully earlier on Monday, April 21, 2025, and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has planned a number of sad events to honor his memory.
After battling a number of diseases, Pope Francis passed away, according to the Vatican. He had, however, been released from the hospital and even attended Mass on Easter Sunday, April 20, which was the day before he passed away.
In a statement signed by the GCBC President and Catholic Bishop of Sunyani, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Church in Ghana has urged all clergy, consecrated individuals, and lay faithful to join together in prayer and recollection for the late Pontiff.
Among these activities will be the following: at a later time to be decided, a National Memorial Mass will be held. This solemn service will be open to all bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful who are able to attend.
“All archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes are encouraged to organize local Requiem Masses and special Holy Hours in honour of Pope Francis. These should be moments of prayerful reflection on his teachings and witness.
“Schools, seminaries, and other Catholic institutions may wish to host prayer services, talks, or discussions to help the faithful, especially the young, to appreciate the life and legacy of Pope Francis,” part of the statement read.
In addition, the GCBC urged all church members to offer prayers for Pope Francis’s soul’s rest as well as for the church worldwide as it gets ready to choose a successor.
“May the Lord, whom he served so faithfully and joyfully, welcome him into the eternal joy of His heavenly kingdom,” the statement concluded.
As the 266th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis left behind a legacy characterized by open communication, simplicity, and a profound compassion for the underprivileged.
Source: newsthemegh.com