The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, expressed his deep emotion following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025.
In a message filled with reverence, the head of state paid tribute to the memory of a “major spiritual figure” whose influence touched the entire world. “It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The world has lost a major spiritual figure,” President Faye declared. He emphasized the Pope’s unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable and his advocacy for interreligious dialogue and fraternity among peoples. “Through his dedication to the most vulnerable and his constant call for dialogue between peoples and religions, he embodied a living hope for millions of believers and people of goodwill,” he added.
On behalf of the Senegalese people, President Faye extended his “deepest condolences” to the Catholic Church, the Catholic community in Senegal and worldwide, and all those touched by Pope Francis’s message of love and peace. Through his words and actions, the Pope inspired beyond confessional boundaries, leaving a spiritual and humanist legacy of universal significance.
Senegal, a country known for its tradition of peaceful coexistence among religions, thus pays solemn tribute to a man who dedicated his life to promoting social justice, solidarity, and unity in diversity.