Pope Francis offers his condolences for death of Namibian President

The Holy Father Pope Francis has offered his condolences for the death of Namibian President Hage Geingob, who passed away at the age of 82.

Earlier this month, the post announcing Geingob’s death on X (formerly Twitter), did not give a cause of death, but late last month, the presidency said he would travel to the United States for treatment after being diagnosed with cancer following a regular medical check-up.

Hage Geingob died at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, Namibia, where he was receiving treatment from his medical team, the presidency said.

As prime minister in 2014, Geingob told the public that he had survived prostate cancer. He became president of the southern African country the following year.

Namibia is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections at the end of the year.

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The Pope recalled Geingob’s “years of dedicated public service” in a telegram sent following the Namibian leader’s death last week.

President Hage Geingob died on Sunday, 4 February, 2024, just three weeks after his office announced that he would be undergoing treatment for cancer.

In his telegram, addressed to Hage Geingob’s successor, Nangolo Mbumba, the Holy Father extended his condolences and his prayers to Geingob’s family, the government, and the people of Namibia.

The Pope concluded his telegram by commending the soul of the late Geingob “to the mercy of Almighty God” and “invoking upon the nation divine blessings of consolation and peace.”