It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. We are grateful for the inspiration he took from the values espoused by Saint Francis of Assisi, evident through his chosen name and the selection of Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti as titles for two of his encyclicals. More importantly, these values defined and animated both his life and his papacy.
Pope Francis stood for an open Church, recognizing that its message can inspire those beyond and welcoming people who had previously been excluded or marginalized. In doing so, he did not shy away from confronting the Church’s own history, reaching out to Indigenous Peoples to apologize for past wrongs and finally repudiating the doctrine of discovery.
Fundamentally, he recognized that the Church cannot turn inwards and has a responsibility to lead by example on the most pressing challenges of our time – issues that are not only spiritual but affect the daily lives of billions of people.
Under his guidance, the Church took an active stance on fighting climate change and environmental degradation, and the words Laudato Si’ now remind decision-makers that they have a responsibility as stewards of our common home. Pope Francis spoke out against rising inequality at a time of historic wealth, denouncing this as an affront to human dignity and imploring us to stand with each other in solidarity.
As we mourn his passing, we also know that Pope Francis’ legacy – echoing the examples of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi – will be a source of inspiration for those working to build a more just and equitable world. Franciscans International remains committed to making this dream a reality.
Photo: Pope Francis is greeted by FI co-founder Dionysius Mintoff OFM during a 2022 visit to the Pope John XIII Peace Laboratory on Malta.