ADDIS ABABA, April 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The chair of the African Union paid 
tribute to a "towering moral voice of our time and a steadfast advocate for 
peace, justice, compassion, and human dignity" following the death of Pope 
Francis on Monday.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairman of the African Union, in a statement praised 
"the Pope's courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the 
voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing 
in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty".