​The death of Pope Francis: the Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko salutes the memory of a man of peace 

  This Monday, April 21, 2025, the day of Easter, Pope Francis died in the Vatican at the age of 88, ending twelve years of a pontificate deeply marked by humility, social justice and the defense of the most vulnerable. On that occasion, the Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, expressed his deep sadness at the death of the President, which he described as “an immense loss for the Catholic Church and for the whole of humanity”. In an impressive statement of emotion, he paid tribute to a man whose voice, according to him, marked his epoch by the force of his convictions and his commitment in favor of the most just causes. “Today, Easter Monday, humanity has lost one of its most eminent members. “Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has distinguished himself by his fight against arbitrariness and for peace”, he declared. The Prime Minister underlined the essential role played by the Sovereign Pontiff in denouncing injustices throughout the world, be it armed conflicts in Africa, Ukraine, Palestine or Burma. It also welcomed its courageous stance in favour of migrants, victims of famine, and populations affected by major global disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Ousmane Sonko finally insisted on Pope Francis’ commitment to interreligious dialogue and tolerance, recalling how his universalist and profoundly humanist message will continue to inspire future generations. “I am convinced that his message will continue to reason long in our minds and hearts”, he said. “To the entire Christian community of Senegal and the world, we extend our most sincere condolences, and we associate ourselves with your sorrow and your prayers for the illustrious missing. ”