Minister Sends Condolences Following Death of Pope Francis

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo, Honourable Judith Ncube, has extended condolences to the international Roman Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis.

Speaking at the Rural Industrialisation Indaba yesterday, Honourable Ncube expressed heartfelt sympathy to the global Catholic community, stating that Zimbabwe joins in mourning the loss.

Pope Francis passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88. According to a Vatican statement released this morning, he died of heart failure and a stroke after a prolonged battle with respiratory complications caused by a lung infection.

He will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday at 08:00 hours.