On March 13, 2013, the world witnessed a historic moment as Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope, becoming the 266th successor to Saint Peter. His election was particularly significant as he became the first Pope from the Americas, the first from the Jesuit order, and the first to choose the name Francis, in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint of humility and poverty.Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis consistently used his platform to issue frequent and impassioned calls for peace and social justice on a global scale.
His first trip outside of Rome as Pope was to the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, in 2013, a visit to meet with newly arrived migrants and refugees. During this poignant visit, he powerfully denounced the "globalisation of indifference" that allows the suffering and deaths of migrants to go unnoticed, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and action. He consistently prioritised the plight of migrants and refugees, making it a central theme of his ministry. He demonstrated his solidarity by praying at the U.S.-Mexico border for migrants who had lost their lives. In a powerful display of compassion, after visiting a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece, he brought a group of Syrian Muslim refugees back to Rome with him on his papal plane, offering them sanctuary.
Mario Bergoglio's family had immigrated to Argentina in 1929 to escape the oppressive fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. This background likely instilled in the family a deep appreciation for freedom and perhaps a sensitivity towards issues of social justice and human rights. In 2015, he delivered a historic address to the U.S. Congress, referring to himself as a “son of immigrants”—he pleaded for greater openness to accepting immigrants. “When the stranger in our midst appeals to us, we must not repeat the sins and the errors of the past. We must resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educate new generations not to turn their back on our ‘neighbours’ and everything around us.” Later that year, he addressed the United Nations, focusing on critical issues such as environmental rights, the pervasive problem of global inequality, and the detrimental "culture of waste".
Pope Francis’ Encyclicals Embraced Humanity
Pope Francis' papacy was marked by several key encyclicals and apostolic exhortations that articulated his vision for the Church and the world.
Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), 2013, served as a foundational mission statement, emphasising the Church's fundamental role in reaching out to those living in poverty and actively addressing the root causes of inequality. He called for a "Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets," underscoring the need for the Church to be actively engaged with the realities of the world and the suffering of its people. He also delivered a strong condemnation of global financial systems that prioritise profit over the well-being of individuals.
Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), 2015, addressed the urgent crisis of climate change and passionately advocated for environmental stewardship. This encyclical was groundbreaking as it marked the first time a Pope utilised scientific data extensively within a major teaching document. He called for immediate and decisive action to combat climate change, emphasising the moral imperative to care for "our common home," the Earth. Notably, Laudato Si' explicitly linked environmental degradation with social injustice, arguing that the poorest and most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the consequences of environmental harm.
He made the care for God's creation a central tenet of his papacy. Notably, he was the first Pope to incorporate scientific data into a major teaching document with his encyclical Laudato Si'. He consistently urged global leaders to take decisive action to address the urgent crisis of climate change, emphasising the moral responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship), 2020, called for global justice and human solidarity. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi this encyclical promoted the concept of universal fraternity, urging all people to recognise each other as brothers and sisters, children of one Creator. He called for a fundamental shift towards a "better kind of politics" that prioritises serving the common good over narrow financial interests, placing human dignity at the centre and ensuring meaningful employment opportunities for all. Fratelli Tutti strongly condemned war and unequivocally declared the death penalty as inadmissible.
Who Am I To Judge”—Be Inclusive
Mario Bergoglio held various jobs, including working as a janitor, a bouncer at a nightclub, and as a chemical technician. These diverse experiences in different work environments provided him with a grounded perspective and an understanding of the challenges and realities faced by people from various walks of life. As a priest, his deep empathy led him to personally assist and offer solace to individuals struggling with drug addiction, prostitution, and those trapped in situations of human slavery. In a powerful symbolic act of solidarity and mirroring the actions of Jesus with his disciples, he would wash the feet of AIDS patients.
Pope Francis signaled a more inclusive and welcoming stance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, famously responding to a question about a gay priest with the now-iconic words, "Who am I to judge?” This statement marked a significant shift in tone and signaled a move towards greater acceptance. He later affirmed that "being homosexual is not a crime" and, in a move that garnered both praise and criticism, approved blessings for same-sex couples, provided they did not resemble marriage vows.
His sermons frequently addressed the critical issue of social inclusion, often offering indirect critiques of governments that failed to adequately support those on the margins of society, famously describing poverty in Argentina as both immoral and unjust.
Pope Francis Dared to Meet
Pope Francis' numerous travels around the world were not merely symbolic gestures but rather profound opportunities for meaningful encounters, aimed at promoting understanding, fostering peace, and advocating for those in need across diverse cultures and faiths.
Addressing the long-standing crisis of clergy sexual abuse, Pope Francis met with numerous survivors, offering personal apologies and implementing reforms aimed at preventing future abuse and ensuring accountability. His direct encounters with survivors, where he listened to their harrowing stories and acknowledged the Church's failures, were particularly impactful and demonstrated a commitment to addressing this painful issue.
Pope Francis also made a point of connecting with individuals often overlooked by society. He reached out to prisoners, including the symbolic act of washing the feet of inmates on Holy Thursday, mirroring Jesus' actions. He extended his care to the homeless, even inviting them to utilise facilities within St. Peter's Square. His interactions with people with disabilities and those suffering from illness were marked by genuine compassion and a desire to offer comfort and hope. In a notable instance, he visited Papua New Guinea, not only bringing much-needed humanitarian aid but also specifically focusing on marginalised communities, including women falsely accused of witchcraft. Furthermore, he engaged in direct dialogue with individuals on the fringes of society, including the homeless, unemployed, and victims of violence, in a special broadcast that brought their voices to a wider audience. These consistent efforts to connect with and advocate for the marginalised underscore Pope Francis' deep empathy and his unwavering commitment to the well-being and dignity of all people, especially those most in need.
He actively engaged with leaders from Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and various Christian denominations, seeking common ground and building bridges of respect. In a historic moment, he became the first Pope to visit Iraq and meet with the country's top Shiite Muslim cleric in 2021. He also met with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in the United Arab Emirates, where they jointly signed a significant document rejecting religious fundamentalism and promoting mutual respect.
Not Ashamed To Admit His Vulnerabilities
His commitment to the marginalised as a priest was so profound that friends remembered him as a fearless "street priest," a tireless advocate for those living in disadvantage. He also demonstrated vulnerability on several occasions. For instance, he openly apologised for not being physically able to bend down to wash the feet of inmates due to his health, a moment that highlighted his genuine desire to connect with others despite his limitations. He was also known to share his own doubts and struggles, such as his youthful uncertainty about his vocation, making him appear more human and relatable to those grappling with their own challenges. Perhaps one of the most telling examples of his empathy was his repeated reflection, "Why them and not me?" when encountering individuals suffering hardship, demonstrating a profound sense of shared humanity and a rejection of any sense of superiority. These seemingly small yet significant actions and expressions of his personality revealed a human side that transcended the immense formality of the papacy, fostering a sense of connection and admiration among people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Pope Francis leaves behind a profound and lasting legacy that extends far beyond the confines of the Catholic Church. His life was a powerful testament to the transformative power of humility, the profound impact of selfless service, and the enduring strength of human empathy. He consistently championed the cause of the poor and marginalised, using his global platform to advocate for justice, peace, and environmental stewardship. His inspiring words and actions touched the hearts of millions, offering hope and challenging indifference in a world often marked by division and inequality. Pope Francis will be remembered as a true shepherd of the people, a leader who embodied the values of compassion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to building a better world for all.
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