Born, on 17 December 1936, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was  elected as Bishop of Rome and Pope of the universal Church on March 13, 2013. His ascension into the papacy marked the beginning of a new era in the Catholic Church. As the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and first Jesuit to be elected, he brought a fresh perspective to the Church, emphasizing humility, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. With the end of his twelve years pontificate, Pope Francis with his death on 21 April 2025, has left an indelible mark on the Church, the world, and the interfaith community.

 

He will be remembered as a voice for the marginalised. One of his most significant contributions was his unwavering advocacy for the marginalized. He consistently emphasized the Church's duty to serve the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable and lived it himself by his actions. In his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium, he called for a Church that prioritises the needs of the poor, urging Catholics to embrace a spirit of solidarity and social responsibility.

 

His commitment to social justice was most evident in his attention to issues relating to poverty, migration, and climate change. The papal visit to a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos in 2016, where he brought twelve Syrian refugees back to Rome, highlighted his dedication to addressing the plight of refugees and migrants. His encyclical Laudato Si' further demonstrated his concern for the environment, urging global action to combat climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

 

Pope Francis was also a fervent advocate for interfaith dialogue and global peace. His historic meeting with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi in 2019, where they signed the document on Human Fraternity For World Peace and Living Together, marked a significant step toward fostering understanding and cooperation among different religious traditions. The document called for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, and emphasised that faith should be a source of unity rather than division.

 

His efforts at promoting dialogue extended beyond Islam; he reached out to various religious leaders, including Jewish, Buddhist, and indigenous communities, and was determined to build bridges across cultural and religious divides. His commitment to interfaith dialogue reflected his belief that collaboration among different faiths was essential to addressing the world's pressing challenges.

 

He will also be remembered for his leadership style, characterised by a pastoral approach that emphasized listening and dialogue. He sought to create a more inclusive Church, and  encouraged participation from all members, including women and youth. The Synod on Young People in 2018 and the recently concluded Synod on Synodality reflected his desire to engage the faithful in meaningful discussions about the future of the Church.

 

Under Pope Francis' guidance, the Church took on the ominous task of addressing the issues of clerical abuse. In the midst of the challenging journey of addressing the issue, Pope Francis acknowledged the pain caused by the abuse and its scandals and was committed to ensuring accountability and healing for victims. His establishment of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and the revision of the Book VI of Canon Law which deals with crimes in the Church and the implementation of new guidelines for resolving abuses demonstrated his resolve to create a safer environment for children and all within the Church.

 

With all that Pope Francis achieved during his pontificate, it must be acknowledged that it was not without challenges and criticisms. His progressive stance on some issues like gay rights and divorced and remarried Catholics, drew some criticisms from within and outside the Church. Some critics argue that he was moving too quickly in his bid to reform traditional teachings of the Church. This perception led to some tensions among different ideological groups within the Church community.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented challenge for the Church and the world. Pope Francis responded to it with paternal closeness to the whole world  through his use of virtual audiences. He equally called for a focus on the importance of vaccination and solidarity. By responding that way to the pandemic, Pope Francis portrayed his commitment to addressing contemporary issues and maintained the Church's relevance in a rapidly changing world.

 

As the Church and the world mourn Pope Francis on his death at the age of 88,  he will be remembered for his legacy of compassion, humility, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. His advocacy for the marginalised, interfaith dialogue, and pastoral leadership have reshaped the Catholic Church's engagement with the world. With all the challenges the Church faced during his time, Pope Francis was able to inspire change and promote unity thereby making the Church to serve as a beacon of hope in an often-divided global landscape. We hope that Pope Francis' legacy will continue even in his absence to influence the Church and its mission for generations to come.

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May he rest in peace.