-Embattled Speaker Koffa Mourns Pope Francis’ Death
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The world is in mourning following the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, a spiritual beacon whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to peace and justice. Among the many voices paying tribute is Liberia’s embattled House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, who expressed profound grief over the loss of the pontiff, recalling a personal encounter that left an indelible mark on his faith.
In a heartfelt statement titled *”Honoring a Shepherd of Peace and Faith,”* Speaker Koffa described Pope Francis as a global spiritual leader whose ministry transcended borders, touching millions with his message of mercy and love.
“As a devout Catholic and a public servant, I mourn the loss of a man whose life embodied the true essence of Christ’s teachings,” Koffa said. “His Holiness was a guiding light in a world often darkened by division, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of the faithful.”
Koffa, who had the privilege of meeting the late Pope during a visit to the Vatican in October, reflected on the pontiff’s gentle spirit and profound wisdom. “That moment will forever remain etched in my heart,” he shared. “His words were not just teachings—they were a living testament to love that knows no boundaries.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, rose to become one of the most influential religious figures of the 21st century. Elected in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas, he championed the causes of the poor, refugees, and marginalized communities, earning admiration far beyond the Catholic Church. His papacy was marked by historic reforms, interfaith dialogue, and a relentless call for environmental stewardship, encapsulated in his landmark encyclical *Laudato Si’*.
News of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief worldwide, with world leaders, faith communities, and ordinary citizens honoring his extraordinary life.
On behalf of his family—including his wife, Dama, and their children—Speaker Koffa extended his deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Catholic community. “May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he concluded.
As tributes pour in from every corner of the globe, Pope Francis’ legacy as a shepherd of peace and faith remains a guiding force—one that will continue to inspire generations to come. Funeral arrangements for the late pontiff are expected to be announced by the Vatican in the coming days.
