Today, the world said goodbye to a leader who carried the weight of his role with humility and grace, just a day after he addressed thousands of believers at St. Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday. Pope Francis was a champion of the marginalized, a voice for justice, and an advocate for love and unity, not only within the Catholic Church but beyond it.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, leading with humility and boldness. As we mourn his passing, we reflect on some of his remarkable achievements and the enduring impact they will have.

He made the Church a more welcoming place

Francis’s compassionate outreach touched many who felt alienated by the Church. His landmark apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to access the sacraments in certain cases, offering them a path back into the fold.

His support for LGBTQ+ individuals remained consistent throughout his papacy; in a conversation with a gay man, he declared, “God made you this way and loves you.” His regular meetings with marginalized groups affirmed his commitment to inclusion and understanding.

He expanded the Church’s protection of life

Pope Francis redefined what it means to be pro-life, stressing that the sanctity of life extends far beyond the unborn. He was vocal against the death penalty, leading to its declaration as “inadmissible” in the Catechism, and called for its abolition worldwide. His visits to war-torn areas like South Sudan and his passionate advocacy for refugees exemplified this broader vision. He reminded the faithful that caring for the poor, the elderly, and migrants is as sacred as defending life at its earliest stages.

He urged the world to care for our planet

Environmental stewardship became a pivotal theme of Pope Francis’s papacy. His encyclical Laudato Si’ resonated globally, as he called on everyone—Christians and non-Christians alike—to take concrete action to address climate change.

During his visit to the Amazon in 2019, he met with indigenous communities to highlight the plight of the rainforest and its defenders. His leadership spurred faith groups around the world to integrate environmental justice into their missions.

He stood by the poor and vulnerable

Pope Francis’s deep concern for the marginalized was evident throughout his life. He often visited slums, prisons, and refugee camps, bringing messages of hope and solidarity. On the island of Lesbos, he embraced refugees fleeing war and poverty, urging global leaders to welcome them as brothers and sisters. His critique of “unbridled capitalism” and support for a universal basic income reflected his dedication to lifting people out of poverty and addressing systemic inequality.

He transformed Church governance with inclusion

Pope Francis introduced reforms that promoted diversity in Church leadership. One notable change was the appointment of women, such as Sister Nathalie Becquart, who became the first female undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops with voting rights.

Creating roles for laypeople in Vatican committees and courts further reflected his belief in a leadership model grounded in collaboration and inclusivity.

He encouraged the Church to listen

Pope Francis believed in the power of listening and collaboration. Throughout his papacy, he promoted dialogue within the Church, opening spaces where difficult topics could be addressed without fear. He championed synodality, a model of leadership where decisions are made together, so that voices from all levels—bishops, clergy, and laypeople—were heard.

He strengthened the Church’s opposition to the death penalty

Building on the work of past popes, Francis ensured that the Church’s opposition to capital punishment was unequivocal. By revising the Catechism, he left no room for ambiguity about the Church’s stance. His words inspired global movements, including campaigns for clemency in cases like that of Lisa Montgomery in the U.S., where Catholic leaders cited his teachings while advocating for life.

He built bridges across faiths and nations

Francis’s role as a global peacemaker earned him admiration far beyond the Catholic faith. He brokered the historic agreement between the U.S. and Cuba to renew diplomatic relations, an achievement credited to his relentless behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

His interfaith outreach included the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, calling for peace and coexistence between Christians and Muslims. His groundbreaking visit to Iraq, where he met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, was a beacon of hope for interreligious understanding.

Pope Francis’s life was a testament to humility, courage, and an unwavering devotion to the greater good. His leadership reminded the world of the power of love, mercy, and justice. While he may no longer walk among us, his mission and impact endure.

Rest in peace, Lolo Kiko, and thank you.