Pope mourns Nelson Mandela

December 06, 2013 - Pope Francis on Friday mourned the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela, who passed away Thursday at the age of 95. The country's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, known in South Africa by his clan name of Madiba, died peacefully at his Johannesburg home after a prolonged lung infection. In a message to President Jacob Zuma, the Pope sent his condolence to all the Mandela family, to the members of the Government and to all the people of South Africa. While commending the soul of the deceased to the infinite mercy of Almighty God, the Pope asked the Lord to console and strengthen all who mourn his loss. “Paying tribute to the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth,” Pope Francis prayed that the late President’s example will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations. The Pope concluded invoking upon all the people of South Africa divine gifts of peace and prosperity.