Catholic parishioners, political leaders gather at Joburg cathedral for Pope Francis memorial

JOHANNESBURG - Roman Catholic parishioners and political leaders have gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg in a mass memorial in honour of Pope Francis.

Senior political figures are among the believers who have come to pay tribute to the late leader of the Catholic Church.

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Among those in attendance were African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, his first deputy, Nomvula Mokonyane, Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero and Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The service is the first major event in South Africa reflecting on the life of the pope since his passing on Monday morning.

In the heart of Johannesburg, where the city’s rhythm usually pulses with urgency, a stillness has fallen over the Cathedral of Christ the King.

A sombre mood lingers within the walls of the church, while several believers fill the sacred space and hymns echo beyond the chambers of the church.

All have gathered to honour the memory and legacy of the leader of the Catholic Church, who has been remembered as a man who put mercy at the centre of all his teachings.

Meanwhile, his body has arrived at Saint Peter's Basilica to lie in state before his funeral this weekend.