Ghanaians in Kumasi Hold a Funeral to Mourn Pope Francis, Videos Evoke Sadness

• Catholics in Kumasi mourned Pope Francis by holding a special ceremony for the beloved spiritual leader
• The Pope passed away on Easter Monday (April 21), leaving the world, especially Catholics, heartbroken
• Netizens who saw the video of Catholics in Kumasi mourning the Pope have reacted to the ceremony
• In an exclusive interview with a Ghanaian pastor, he shared his views on the gesture by the people from Kumasi

Ghanaians and Catholics around the globe are still mourning the passing of their beloved spiritual leader, Pope Francis, on April 21, 2025.

The Pope reportedly passed away on Easter Monday, after appearing on Easter Sunday to deliver his Urbi et Orbi (which translates as 'to the city and to the world') message, in line with traditions.

Who was Catholic Church leader, Pope Francis?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pope from the Americas, as well as the first Jesuit pope.

He became the pontiff on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who was the first to resign from the role in nearly 600 years.

Pope Francis is known for his humble lifestyle, progressive views on social issues, and emphasis on mercy, inclusivity, and care for the marginalised. Sadly, he passed away on Easter Sunday.

His burial was held on Saturday, April 26, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. A photo released on Sunday, April 27, 2025, by Vatican Media showed a view of the tomb of Pope Francis.

In Ghana, some Catholics in the Ashanti Region mourned the Pope in their way, holding a wreath-laying ceremony. The Archbishop of Kumasi and members of the St Peter’s Cathedral Basilica in Kumasi laid wreaths in front of a large photo of the late church leader.

A video of the wreath-laying ceremony in Kumasi is below:

This is beautiful, pastor says

Speaking exclusively to YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian pastor, Eric Okai, commended the church for honouring the Pope their own way.

"I think honouring the Pope the way these folks did was a good idea. In Catholic tradition, the Pope is not just a religious leader but the spiritual father of the global Church. I believe most them wanted to be at the burial but for obvious reasons they couldn't. So I think this is a good way of paying their last respects to the Pope."

Netizens react to Kumasi ceremony for Pope

Netizens who saw the video of the Catholics in Kumasi holding a funeral for the Pope were divided and expressed mixed reactions in the comments section.

While some were touched by the Christian sect's way of honouring the late pontiff, others were disappointed that a funeral was being held for him.

@oswellcole wrote:

"Then they’ll say it’s only charismatic churches that “worship” their pastors."

@RuleroftheAesir wrote:

"Christians are the wisest people on earth and at the same time the most stupid people, just like Solomon, who became the wisest and died as the most stupid man. Why all this nonsense?? I want to know where they'll keep the flowers after the gathering."

@lordtipo wrote:

"Eiii…hmmm…if I say something now, they will come after me."

@AnsahMullings wrote:

"Bowing to dead man’s picture awell."

@OpokuSikani wrote:

"You people for Kumasi wey dey do make them get us. Waa see this."

@Kingoleyman wrote:

"The brainwash on African elders is overwhelming."

@Hustletod wrote:

"But when Atakora die dem say e nor get pikin then wife so dem nor go do ein funeral."

@Nickbotwe20 wrote:

"The name Christianity (not Christ) is one of the reasons Africa is far behind."

@Big_headmaster wrote:

"Hmmm. We will talk about this later. There are still bad roads in Ghana."

@Nana_Bamfi wrote:

"Are Catholics in Burkina also doing same?"

@Nyb2Na wrote:

"May God deliver these ones from idolatry."

@KarimaSulleyman wrote:

"Okay praying for their white master I see."

@Phred_jr wrote:

"Them lay more wreath for Kumasi than they did in Rome."

Ghanaian paramount chief Mamponghene passes away

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Mampong Traditional Council announced the passing of Mamponghene, Daasabre Osei Bonsu II.

A delegation led by Mamponghemaa Nana Agyakoma Difie informed the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, that the chief had passed on.

Photos of the solemn meeting to announce Mamponghene's death at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, April 28, 2025, emerged online.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh