Religious leaders use Pope Francis' passing to urge local politicians to prioritise welfare of citizens

JOHANNESBURG - Senior religious leaders have used the passing of Pope Francis to send a stern message to political officials to prioritise the welfare of citizens in the country.

The delegates gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg on Wednesday, where they reflected on the legacy of the late pontiff.

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Among the senior political officials present were parties represented in the Government of National Unity (GNU), such as African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

While the Vatican prepares for Pope Francis’ burial on Saturday, the world reflects on his legacy and teachings.

This, too, is the case in South Africa, where Catholic leaders believe political officials ought to take a leaf from the teachings of the late pontiff.

A life in service is what the secretary-general of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC), Father Hugh O’Connor, said politicians should embody.

"You are there to serve the common good. You are there to see that those who are left out of political, social and economic systems are included, that there is work towards the eradication of poverty, to the provision of decent employment for all people. 

"He would call on leadership, business, social, society, religious, and political, to put aside differences in order to search for a bigger vision. In other words, service delivery."

O'Connor added that the Vicar of Christ's message to South Africa's leaders would have been consistent with his long-standing calls for leadership rooted in humility and accountability.