«Pope Francis has left us, and the emptiness and sorrow are deep. Until the very end – even as recently as yesterday – he continued to be present. With his people. With his Urbi et Orbi blessing, he wanted to give one final sign of love for our world, so torn apart by wars and yet so beloved and dear to him. We feel an emptiness because we feel we have lost a father – a gentle and firm guide, clear-minded and courageous, a protective presence who walked with us on our journey. A gift. A gift who, until the end, chose to stand with the poor – near and far – and with Africa in particular. He visited some of its most fragile countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan. He chose to be with them, with these people. And we felt him close. He was a great help, a great source of hope for all of us at CUAMM Doctors with Africa. He loved that continent – so rich, so beautiful, so full of potential. And he loved it also because it is a continent full of colour, hardship, and humiliation. In today’s world – a world where arrogance, abuse of power, selfish interests, and the humiliation of the poor seem to prevail – Pope Francis never stopped living out solidarity, closeness, and the defense and respect of the most vulnerable. A great gift. That is why our gratitude is so strong. Gratitude to the Good Father who gave him to us. He gave him to a Church that is bruised and weary, yet radiant in its bold declaration that the kingdom we want to build is one of brotherhood and solidarity. He was a simple man for simple people – a man who opposed all injustice and inequality until the very end. With his life, he proclaimed the Gospel of liberation, of dignity, and of hope for every creature, especially the most fragile. Thank you, Pope Francis».
Don Dante Carraro, Director of CUAMM Doctors with Africa
