Remembering Pope Francis: The Missionary Pope Who Changed the Church
On April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM Rome time, Pope Francis passed away peacefully at 88. As the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Global South, his papacy redefined the modern Catholic Church through humility, inclusiveness, and a heart for the world’s most vulnerable. His life and legacy shine as a beacon of Christian unity, social justice, and missionary zeal rooted in the Great Commission.
Why He Chose the Name “Francis”: A Radical Call to Simplicity and Peace
Upon his election in 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. This was more than symbolic; it was a mission statement. Saint Francis was known for embracing radical poverty, loving creation, and pursuing peace. Pope Francis embraced these values as the foundation of his leadership, declaring his desire for “a poor Church for the poor.“
A Voice for the Poor: Walking the Gospel in Action
Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to the poor was a testament to his selflessness and dedication. He consistently reminded the Church that Jesus is found in the faces of the poor. His papacy was defined by direct action, from creating Vatican showers for the homeless to visiting refugee camps, leper colonies, and prisons. His call for Catholics to go out to the ‘existential peripheries’ echoed the Gospel’s call to serve ‘the least of these, ‘inspiring us all with his selfless acts.
Devotion to Mary: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots
Pope Francis’s deep Marian devotion was mainly tied to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, a title he helped popularise globally. This title refers to a specific Marian apparition and the associated devotion, in which Mary is seen as a gentle but powerful intercessor capable of untangling the problems and complexities of modern life. This devotion became a spiritual anchor of his papacy and a model of prayerful trust for the faithful.
Living the Great Commission: Evangelisation with Joy
Pope Francis viewed evangelisation as the heart of the Church’s mission. His apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”) called for a missionary church in nature, joyful in proclamation, and merciful in practice. He called Christians “missionary disciples”, a term he used to describe believers who not only receive the love of Christ but also actively share it with others, spreading the love of Christ in word and deed.
Champion of Christian Unity: Ecumenism in Action
Pope Francis’s relentless commitment to Christian unity was one of his most significant contributions. He broke down centuries-old barriers by reaching out to Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, and Evangelical communities, forging new paths in ecumenical dialogue. His actions, from joint prayers with Patriarch Bartholomew to embracing Pentecostal leaders, gave us hope for the future of the Church, as he worked towards fulfilling Christ’s prayer that they may all be one.’
He often reminded the faithful that unity doesn’t mean uniformity but harmony in diversity. He emphasised shared mission over theological division, especially in serving people experiencing poverty and protecting the dignity of all human life.
The Voice of the Shepherd: Vatican Radio and Pope Francis’s Global Reach
During Pope Francis’s pontificate, Vatican Radio was crucial in spreading his messages of hope, peace, and mercy to a worldwide audience. Under his leadership, the Vatican’s communication efforts were revitalised, with Vatican Radio adapting to digital platforms and social media to connect with people in all corners of the globe. Whether through daily broadcasts, multilingual news reports, or special pastoral programs, Vatican Radio became an extension of Pope Francis’s missionary heart, ensuring that even the most isolated could hear the voice of the Holy Father, making us all feel connected and included in his global mission.
This was particularly important in regions affected by war, poverty, or religious persecution, where traditional media access is limited. Through Vatican Radio, Pope Francis’s words reached refugee camps, underground churches, and communities yearning for spiritual encouragement, embodying the Church’s mission to bring the Gospel to all nations.
A Pope for the World: Faith in Action, Love Without Borders
Whether advocating for the environment in Laudato Si’, supporting migrants and refugees, or reforming Church structures such as the Vatican Bank and the Roman Curia, Pope Francis lived a faith that acted. His leadership reflected the missionary mandate of Matthew 28:19: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” And he did so not through power but through compassion, mercy, and humility.
The Legacy of a Servant-Leader
Pope Francis lived the Gospel with his whole being, serving the poor, honouring Mary, reaching across Christian divisions, and calling all believers to a joyful mission. His papacy will be remembered for what he said and how he lived: with love for the least, passion for unity, and unwavering faith in the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire a Church that is faithful to the Great Commission and open to the Spirit of unity and service.
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