Bekwai MP pays tribute to late Pope Francis

The Member of Parliament for the Bekwai Constituency, Ralph Poku-Adusei, has penned a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, the late leader of the Catholic Church, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

In a moving statement, the MP eulogised the pontiff as a beacon of humility, compassion, and transformative leadership, whose life profoundly impacted millions around the world.

Pope Francis, aged 88, died on Easter Monday after suffering a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiac arrest.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with Poku-Adusei’s words capturing the essence of the pontiff’s enduring legacy.

“My heart is full as I reflect on the extraordinary life of Pope Francis, a man whose humility disarmed kings, whose kindness touched millions, and whose quiet strength redefined what it means to lead with love,” Poku-Adusei wrote.

Reflecting on his own background as a Catholic, former altar server, and public servant, the MP described the Pope as “living proof that leadership thrives not in pomp, but in washing the feet of refugees, embracing the disabled, and dining with the homeless.”

Quoting Pope Francis, Poku-Adusei highlighted the pontiff’s teaching that “the one who shows mercy never fears death,” noting how the Pope confronted suffering through his outreach to the marginalised and his unwavering faith in Christ’s love.

The MP emphasised that the Pope’s legacy lies not in grand titles, but in his lessons of faith, hope, and mercy.

“Faith is choosing hope when cynicism seems easier,” Poku-Adusei wrote, citing the Pope’s call to “not fear decisive choices.”

He also underscored Pope Francis’ belief that “the divine spark lives in all,” and that mercy serves as the antidote to a wounded world.

In his tribute, Poku-Adusei celebrated Pope Francis as a “spiritual giant” whose actions, such as advocating for the poor, engaging with global leaders, and promoting interfaith dialogue, demonstrated leadership rooted in service.

The Bekwai MP’s tribute joins a global chorus of remembrance for Pope Francis, whose papacy was marked by efforts to address social justice, climate change, and inclusivity within the Church.

Read the full tribute below:

My Tribute to Pope Francis; the Franciscus

My heart is full as I reflect on the extraordinary life of Pope Francis, a man whose humility disarmed kings, whose kindness touched millions, and whose quiet strength redefined what it means to lead with love.

He once taught us: "The one who shows mercy never fears death. Why? Because they’ve already confronted it in the suffering of the marginalized, in the struggles of the forgotten, and conquered it through Christ’s love.

To the world, he was a spiritual giant. To me as a Catholic, former altar server, and public servant, he was the living proof that leadership thrives not in pomp, but in washing the feet of refugees, embracing the disabled, and dining with the homeless. His legacy isn’t in grand titles, but in teaching us that:

Faith is choosing hope when cynicism seems easier ("Do not fear decisive choices!"),

Light persists even in darkness ("That divine spark lives in all"),

Mercy is the antidote to a wounded world. Rest well !

GA/MA