Pope Francis leaves legacy of modesty, selflessness
Global attention is on the Vatican, Rome, today, where leaders from many countries, the clergy and the Catholic faithful have gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the 266th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergolio, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday in his suite in the Santa Marta guesthouse, where he lived after his election on March 13, 2013, instead of the plush papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.
The funeral Mass for the 88-year-old pontiff is being held at the St Peter’s Square, Rome, this morning.
The news about his death came as a shock to the faithful who saw him deliver his Easter Sunday message from the Balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Pope waved at the cheering crowd around St. Peter’s Square in the open-top popemobile.
The Daily Graphic joins the rest of the world to pay tribute to the memory of the pontiff who was the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years.
His death is not only a blow to the more than 1.3 billion Catholic faithful worldwide but also to the many people who looked up to him for inspiration.
The Daily Graphic believes strongly that Pope Francis left behind a legacy of compassion, mercy and commitment to social justice.
He advocated the marginalised in society and gave voice to the voiceless.
His visits to prisons, hospitals and other places to show love and care for those in need were admirable and inspiring.
Among the key initiatives undertaken by Pope Francis were the promotion of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, where he met with leaders from various faiths to promote mutual understanding and respect.
He also championed the cause of the poor and the marginalised, advocating their rights and dignity.
The care for the environment was another area of concern to the Pope, who called for measures to address climate change.
The late pontiff further emphasised the importance of Synodality by encouraging collaboration and listening between the clergy and the laity.
Pope Francis responded to various crises, including the Ebola outbreak, displacement of refugee, and natural disasters, offering support and aid to those affected.
On diplomacy, Pope Francis played a key role in restoring full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba and negotiated a deal with China regarding the appointment of bishops, marking a significant step in improving relations between the Vatican and China.
In 2022, Pope Francis apologised for the Church's role in the cultural genocide of Canadian indigenous peoples.
Indeed, he also advocated the protection of migrants.
As the first Pope from the Jesuit Order, Pope Francis canonised numerous saints, including Mother Teresa of Calcutta, showing their devotion to serving the poor and vulnerable.
The Daily Graphic hopes the death of the pontiff would inspire leaders to live sefless and modest lives, to continue to promote peace, love, respect for the views of others and religious tolerance, and champion the cause of the poor, which he stood for.
It is the hope of the paper that the meeting of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic church within the next few days will lead to the successful election of a new leader to build on the legacy of Pope Francis and unite the church more than ever.
Rest well, Pope Francis!
