Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for the life of Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away on April 21, 2025. In a message shared on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Mushikiwabo offered heartfelt words in honor of the Pope’s teachings and the inspiring legacy he leaves behind.
She wrote: “Your Holiness, you fulfilled your mission with grace, as a true Christian—one who listened, who was kind and compassionate. Now, may you rest in peace.” Her message, though filled with sadness, also reflected immense respect and admiration, highlighting the significant spiritual and humanitarian impact Pope Francis had on the world.
Louise Mushikiwabo had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on two occasions. The first was in 2017 when she accompanied President Paul Kagame on an official visit to the Vatican, during her tenure as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The second encounter was in 2021, when she was received by the Pope in her capacity as Secretary-General of OIF. Their discussions focused on strengthening support for the people of Haiti and Lebanon—member states of the OIF—who were then facing serious economic, political, and social challenges.
Mushikiwabo previously described Pope Francis as a remarkable individual—empathetic and deeply compassionate, especially towards the poor and those in distress. She added: “He was a leader full of humanity, not one to judge others, but rather to draw near to them and help them regain hope.”
The passing of Pope Francis is a profound loss to the global Christian community and to all those who embraced his message of peace, humility, and truth. As the Catholic Church prepares for his final farewell, people around the world remember a man who tirelessly championed peace, justice, and mercy.
Mushikiwabo concluded her message by praying for Pope Francis’s eternal rest, stating: “His legacy will never be forgotten. We will continue to live guided by the values he taught, for his love, compassion, and unwavering faith transformed the lives of many.
