The Anglican Church in Namibia's Bishop Patrick Djuulume said the late retired Bishop Luke Pato was an international figure whose legacy was rooted in justice, reconciliation and peace.

Pato died in South Africa on the 6th of September.

Retired Bishop Pato was the 13th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Namibia, consecrated in Walvis Bay on 7 May 2016.

Before coming to Namibia, he held various senior positions in the Anglican Church in South Africa, including working with Archbishop Desmond Tutu on reconciliation efforts.

He later contributed to international peace efforts, including initiatives seeking reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

Pato's contribution, however, extended beyond his episcopal duties.

"He was a universal person. Yeah, because actually, if I take you back, he was also a lecturer in London at Sette School in England. Yeah, and it's not only a loss to Namibia or to South Africa," said Bishop Djuulume. "It's a loss to the world. And some said he was also partaking in the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. Definitely, he was a man of the world. We lost a figure. We lost an international figure."

He said Pato's wisdom and commitment to justice made him an important figure.

For Djuulume, Pato was also a source of guidance as he took up the responsibility of leading the Diocese of Namibia.

"I used to ask advice. I used to ask wisdom from him, of course, to guide me on those, and the result is always positive. Yeah, it's always positive."

Pato will be buried in Johannesburg on 16 September, while memorial services will be held in Namibia on 24 September.

Bishop Djuulume has called on Namibians to honour the late retired bishop and his legacy of justice and reconciliation.