BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi are saddened by the passing of Pope Francis.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini is the one that expressed the sadness experienced by Their Majesties and the entire nation of Emaswati. “The Kingdom of Eswatini is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, a profound loss felt by the global Catholic community and people of goodwill worldwide,” the prime minister said.
On behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government, and the People of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the premier expressed heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community and all those touched by the Pope’s life and ministry.
He prayed for comfort and strength for those grieving this immense loss and trust that the Almighty God would console them during this time of sorrow. “The People of Eswatini stand in strong solidarity with the global Catholic community and all who mourn. His legacy of peace, compassion, and unity will continue to inspire humanity,” he said.
“May his soul may rest in eternal peace.”
According to the Vatican News, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta. The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists later on Monday that the late Pope’s body could be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning, so that the faithful may pray before his mortal remains.
“The translation of the Holy Father’s mortal remains to the Vatican Basilica, for the veneration of all the faithful, may take place on the morning of Wednesday, April 23, 2025, according to the arrangements that shall be determined and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of the Cardinals,” Bruni said.
The rite of the certification of death and placement in the coffin took place on Monday evening at 8:00 PM in the chapel on the ground floor of the late Pope’s residence in the Casa Santa Marta. During the rite, the declaration of death was read aloud. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell, and the ceremony lasted just under an hour.
Seals were placed on the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and on the apartment on the second floor of the Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis lived. Mr. Bruni told journalists that, as of Monday evening, Pope Francis’ closest collaborators have begun to pay their respects to the late Pope.
He said the first General Congregation of Cardinals will take place on Tuesday morning, during which a date for the funeral may be decided.
