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Catholics  and non-Catholics around the world paid tributes and condolences as Pope Francis was on Saturday 26th April, 2025 laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome where seven other Popes had been buried . He died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday from stroke that prompted irreversible heart failure, according to a death certificate issued by the Vatican.

 

Catholic bishops, priests and religious, intellectuals, activists, organizational leaders, as well as politicians, religious leaders, global organizations and more issued statements and wrote social media posts reflecting on the legacy of the first Jesuit Pope who as an Argentine was also the first Pontiff from Latin America

 

Pope Francis was the 266th Pope and will be remembered for his groundbreaking steps to honor the poor and the vulnerable. He sought to end conflicts like those in the Middle East, Ukraine and Africa; protect the environment; and guide the Catholic Church towards greater consideration for those on the margins of the Church and of society, 

 

Pope Francis  was a man of deep faith, profound humility, and unshakable hope — a shepherd whose tireless call to care for the poor and the marginalized will continue to inspire the Church for generations to come. His vision of a synodal church would stand as an enduring legacy and his fidelity to the Second Vatican Council and its call to preach the Gospel in the modern world.

 

Pope Francis' life was a radiant testimony of service, mercy and a profound love for all of creation. His enduring commitment to inclusivity, justice, and care for those rejected by society has deeply inspired many to live more fully the Gospel call to love and service.

 

His leadership style embodied the values that he held throughout his priesthood: that people who are hurting and in need must be given our highest priority, that leaders must spend time on the margins listening to those whose perspectives may differ from their own, and that we must be fearless in speaking out in the face of all that goes against the gospel teachings.

 

Pope Francis' legacy would be defined by his dedication to caring for the environment, including through his two papal texts on ecological matters, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home" and Laudate Deum. He contributed towards care for our earth and fighting climate change in ways that we will fully understand in the course of time. 

 

As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe."

 

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) also described the late Pope Francis as a religious leader who fostered peace and mutual understanding among peoples of different faiths across the globe.

 

As we continue to celebrate Christ’s resurrection in the Jubilee of Hope, our hearts will be forever grateful to Pope Francis for his fatherly love and care and for his clarion call to us to be pilgrims of hope to our world in this Jubilee year.

Rest on in God’s peace dear Pope Francis! Eternal be your memory.