POPE FRANCIS’ LIFE principle– “Who am I to judge”– endeared him to a wide range of people erstwhile shunned by traditionalists in the Vatican. These traditionalists, now vying fiercely to grab that venerable position in the Catholic Church, want to return to traditional doctrines and return to the materialistic Vatican II which became a source of corruption from a lack of transparency and values unacceptable to God’s commandments.
Pope Francis, the patriarch of the Catholic Church, had always stuck to the inclusivity of all religions, races, and called for a listening church to the marginalized and isolated in earthly societies.
Temporarily hindered by his frail health, Francis served the flock with humility and compassion until his death on Easter Sunday.
It is no wonder then that many people around the globe are now praising him and his simplicity, honesty and openness, which was so unusual with the former Vatican occupants (except the now St. Pope John Paul II). The past Vatican high priests wielded immense power and snobbery distancing themselves from the problems of the faithful.
‘Pope Francis may have departed this world, but the values he lived and preached continue to inspire millions. In a time often marked by division, he reminded us of the power of humility, the necessity of empathy, and the enduring call to serve others.’
KNOWN FOR HUMILITY, COMPASSION
Crucial now is the selection of Francis’ successor to the chair of St. Peter, which people around the world are praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Names have been floated with accompanying noises for each candidate, akin to the election of politicians.
Rather than dwell on the conclave, I would like to hype on the fact that Francis reached out to all faiths and religions, he staunchly exposed the sexual misdeeds of priests even as he reached out to the marginalized, to China and to the ostracized in society like homosexuals, transgender as he did not disdain same sex unions.
As one article posted on Facebook said, Francis, “known for his humility, compassion, and deep concern for the marginalized,” reflected until his final days the very values he championed throughout his life. Seated in a wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the faithful with a gentle smile and offered his Easter blessing. The moment was quiet but profound—an act of courage that now stands as his parting gift to the world.
LAST APPEARANCE
Because of his fragile health, Easter Mass was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri but Francis’ voice and spirit “were present in the powerful Easter message read aloud by a Vatican archbishop.”
His words were heartfelt and urgent, calling for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza and denouncing rising anti-semitism across the globe. He underscored the essential role of fundamental freedoms: freedom of religion, expression, and thought—principles he firmly believed were the foundation of lasting peace.
Later, Pope Francis was driven through the square one last time in an open vehicle, blessing the thousands who had come to witness the celebration, the very last glimpse they had of the pontiff who reshaped the global image of the Catholic Church.
HIS PAPACY
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis—honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron of the poor.
His papacy, beginning in 2013, was marked by bold efforts to reform the Church, embrace the marginalized, and engage with pressing global issues like climate change, economic injustice, and interfaith dialogue.
He often said the Church should resemble a “field hospital” more than a place of judgment—open to those who are wounded, struggling, or searching for hope. This vision resonated with millions and helped renew faith in many corners of the world.
Now, the Church and the world mourn his passing with candlelight vigils held outside the Vatican, and churches around the world have opened their doors for prayer and reflection. Philippine churches have scheduled requiem masses in his honor.
Leaders across faiths and nations have shared tributes, honoring his legacy of compassion, justice, and mercy.
Pope Francis may have departed this world, but the values he lived and preached continue to inspire millions. In a time often marked by division, he reminded us of the power of humility, the necessity of empathy, and the enduring call to serve others.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his final message echo far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
