African leaders praise Pope Francis's 'legacy of compassion'

Cathedral staff set up an image of Pope Francis inside The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood, informally known as Westminster Cathedral, in central London on April 21, 2025, following the news of his death. [AFP]

African leaders praised the "legacy of compassion" and "commitment to inclusivity" of Pope Francis as they joined global mourning over his death on Monday.

Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion from Catholics but riled traditionalists, died aged 88.