Expresses Condolences on the Passing
of His Holiness the Pope.

His Eminence DÈDÈ Dr. Félix Eke-Metoho Expresses Condolences on the Passing
of His Holiness the Pope.
Dr. Félix Eke-Metoho, Paramount Ruler of Togbui Deguini Adela Akpaxlin Clan of
the Ancient Kingdom of Tado and DÈDÈ of Kuntsin, Tohoun, also the official
representative of the Association of Traditional Rulers for Integration of West Africa
(ATRIWA), expresses his condolences to the global community on the passing of
His Holiness, Pope Francis.
With profound respect, His Royal Eminence honors the legacy of a spiritual leader
whose papacy signified an era of reconciliation, moral clarity, and spiritual
inclusiveness. The late Pope will be remembered not only as the leader of the Roman
Catholic Church but also as a compassionate moral authority who fostered fellowship
across continents, cultures, and faiths.
One of his most significant legacies was his acknowledgment of traditional African
religions (Vodun or Orisha) as integral to the world’s spiritual heritage―an
important recognition that validated the dignity, depth, and humanity of Africa’s
ancestral beliefs. Through these actions, the Pope contributed to the restoration of
global respect for African spiritual traditions and promoted authentic interfaith
dialogue.
His Holiness exemplified forward-thinking leadership by recognizing the essential
role of women in religion, promoting their involvement and spiritual contributions
within the Church and in broader contexts. His voice contributed to the progress of
gender equity in religious practice, a principle upheld by numerous traditional
African societies.
Moreover, the late Pope’s unequivocal denunciation of slavery as a moral
transgression against humanity had a profound impact throughout the African
continent. By identifying and condemning the historical atrocities of the transatlantic
slave trade and its lasting impacts, he provided not only expressions of regret but also
a basis for healing and international unity. This forms the bases for the demand for
reparation by Pan-Africanists and particularly the descendant of the « Slave Coast »
such as the Aja Xla-Wheda and the Anagos-Yoruba and other ethnic nations who
were massacred to pave way for the obnoxious Slave Trade.
The Pope, as a spiritual ally of Africa, has consistently advocated for global justice,
equitable development, and environmental protection-issues that have a significant
impact on the continent. He endorsed debt relief for African nations, championed
migrant rights, and called upon the international community to tackle the underlying
causes of conflict and poverty.
His Royal Eminence Dr. Félix Eke-Metoho, of Dèdè of Kutsin, Tohoun of the ancient
Kingdom of Tado and Coordinator of members of ATRIWA, extends sincere
condolences to the global Catholic community and to all who have drawn guidance
and inspiration from the life and teachings of His Holiness.
May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy persist in guiding the moral
compass of humanity.

For additional inquiries, please reach out to the Office of the DÈDÈ of Kutsin,
Email: dèdèkutsintohoun@gmail.com
His Eminence DÈDÈ Dr. Félix Eke-Metoho
Phone:+22897454171
Tohoun, Togolese Republic.
Contact Information:

Dated this 24 day of April 2025, Accra, Ghana