The Catholic community of the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington gathered at St Augustine’s Co-Cathedral in Upington for a Memorial Mass offered in suffrage for the late Most Reverend Edward Gabriel Risi OMI, who served as Bishop of Keimoes–Upington for 25 years.

The Holy Eucharist was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk M. Jagodziński, alongside 18 prelates, including the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), Cardinal Stephen Brislin.

At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, Archbishop Jagodziński addressed those gathered and conveyed a message of condolence from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, sent through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.

In the message, the Holy Father expressed his sorrow upon learning of the death of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi OMI and extended his condolences to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington. Recalling with gratitude the late Bishop’s many years of faithful and dedicated episcopal ministry, Pope Leo XIV made particular mention of his missionary zeal and his commitment to promoting the beauty of the sacred liturgy.

Entrusting the soul of Bishop Risi to the love and mercy of Christ the Good Shepherd, the Holy Father assured all who mourn of his spiritual closeness and prayers. To those gathered at the Memorial Mass, to Bishop Risi’s family members — including his siblings and relatives — and to the entire diocesan community, Pope Leo XIV imparted his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of consolation, strength, and peace in the Risen Lord, in the sure hope of the resurrection.

The Apostolic Nuncio invited the faithful to receive this papal message as a source of encouragement and hope, and as a call to continue walking faithfully along the path of the Gospel, which Bishop Risi served with generosity until the end of his life.

Clergy, religious, and members of the laity from across the Diocese were present for the 17 December 2025 Memorial Mass, united in prayer and thanksgiving for the life and ministry of a devoted shepherd who guided the people of Keimoes–Upington for a quarter of a century.