By Father Mathibela Sebothoma

Communication officer, Pretoria Archdiocese

A special Holy Mass was celebrated at Saint John Vianney Seminary in Waterkloof, Pretoria, on Thursday, March 13, to commemorate the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. The joyous yet poignant occasion united clergy, seminarians, dignitaries, and faithful from across Southern Africa in a prayerful tribute to the Holy Father’s leadership, with added urgency as attendees lifted up intentions for his health amid his ongoing hospitalization.

The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Dabula Mpako, drew a diverse congregation, including Archbishops, Bishops, civil authorities, ambassadors, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Delegates from the Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Namibia, and Republic of Botswana joined local Catholics, reflecting the regional resonance of Pope Francis’ ministry.

In his welcome address, Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński, Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini, described the anniversary as “a great moment to reflect on the importance of prophecy in the Catholic Church.” Highlighting Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, humility, and care for the marginalized, he underscored the pontiff’s role as the successor of St. Peter, tasked with guiding the Church in faith and unity. “This is an opportunity to pray for the Holy Father and for the Church, that it may continue to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love,” Jagodziński said, expressing gratitude to all present for their solidarity.

Archbishop Mpako, delivering a stirring homily, praised Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate for its focus on inclusivity and compassion. Drawing from the day’s reading from Isaiah, he framed the Church’s mission as “being a sign of hope” to those in distress—a calling he said Pope Francis has embodied through his outreach to the poor, prisoners, migrants, and others on society’s peripheries. “His papacy reflects the heart of the Gospel message,” Mpako noted, referencing the Jubilee Year theme, Pilgrims of Hope, as a rallying cry for the faithful to support the vulnerable.

Mpako acknowledged the Pope’s pastoral approach—balancing truth and love—as occasionally misunderstood but vital to his vision of a “Synodal Church in Mission.” Quoting Psalm 85:10, “Love and truth shall embrace, justice and peace shall kiss each other,” he urged the Church to emulate Francis’ example of reconciliation and service.

The celebration carried added weight as Pope Francis remains hospitalized, prompting prayers for his recovery. “Even in suffering, the Holy Father continues to be a sign of unity,” Jagodziński remarked during a subsequent reception at the Embassy of the Holy See in Pretoria, attended by diplomats and distinguished guests. He tied the milestone to the Jubilee Year, spotlighting the Pope’s recent calls for debt forgiveness, the abolition of the death penalty, and a World Fund to end hunger as “Gospel in action.”

Representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Advocate Shireen Said delivered a heartfelt address, congratulating Pope Francis and reaffirming the deep ties between South Africa and the Holy See, formalized in 1994 under Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II. She praised the Holy See’s historical opposition to apartheid and its ongoing advocacy for peace and social justice, aligning these efforts with South Africa’s development goals and the EU’s Agenda 2063. “Pope Francis unites us all in our various disciplines of faith,” said, proposing a toast to his health and the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The event highlighted the Catholic Church’s contributions to South African society, from education and healthcare to reconciliation efforts rooted in the Gospel. Recalling St. John Paul II’s 1995 visit, Jagodziński described South Africa’s journey as a “victory of the human spirit,” a legacy Pope Francis continues to champion globally.

As the evening concluded with toasts to both Pope Francis and South Africa, the faithful and dignitaries alike expressed hope that the pontiff’s recovery would allow him to continue leading with wisdom and compassion. The celebration reaffirmed his profound influence—locally and worldwide—while renewing a collective commitment to his vision of a more just and merciful world.