Global sorrow as Pope passes away
In Lisbon, Portugal, a heartfelt gathering honors the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st. From Manila to Taiwan, and across the globe, tributes continue to pour in for this remarkable pontiff. In Colombia, a local admits, "He had a very open way of thinking and I believe that helped open up certain things that were taboo."
A Champion for the Vulnerable
In Chile, the faithful celebrate Pope Francis's unwavering support for the fragile and the migrants. Wherever he traveled, Francis, known to many as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, left a powerful legacy among the Catholics he encountered. Tributes likely won't end anytime soon, as they can be seen in Kinshasa, Rio, as well as Rome.
Catch the full report in the video above
Pope Francis: A Global Phenomenon
During his tenure from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis generated a significant impact on the worldwide Catholic community. His papacy was marked by a collection of initiatives that underscored inclusivity, compassion, and social reform.
Championing Marginalized Groups
Pope Francis was widely recognized for his commitment to marginalized groups, including:
- LGBTQ Community: His unforgettable statement, "Who am I to judge?" resonated with LGBTQ individuals, paving the way for increased acceptance within the Church.
- Women in the Church: Though he did not support their ordination to the priesthood, he championed their representation in Church leadership roles.
- Refugees and Migrants: Francis championed their rights and extended hospitality to migrants in Italy.
- Homeless: He regularly dined with the homeless and vaccinated hundreds of underprivileged individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global Tributes
Following his death, Pope Francis received expressions of mourning and respect in various cities:
- Vatican and Rome: Historic bells tolled to mark his passing, followed by masses and solemn ceremonies.
- Paris: An ancient cathedral held a special mass in his honor.
- Detroit: A morning mass was conducted to celebrate his life and legacy.
- Global Community: World leaders and Catholics alike lauded his efforts towards peace, environmentalism, and social justice, reflecting on his commitment to fraternity and inclusivity.
His approach to today's critical issues, such as climate change, inequality, and migration, amplified his standing as a forward-thinking leader willing to engage the Church in contemporary challenges.
His Legacy: Key Issues
Climate Change and Economic Inequality
Pope Francis spotlighted the interconnectedness of global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and economic disparity. He advocated for comprehensive approaches, advocating for debt relief and ongoing processes aimed at addressing these issues.
Peacemaking and Disarmament
He highlighted the importance of peacemaking and nuclear disarmament, expressing concerns over the threat autonomous weapons systems posed in conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza.
With his advocacy and unwavering leadership, Pope Francis left an indelible impact on the Catholic Church and far-reaching conversations on social, environmental, and peace-related issues.
In Bogota, Colombia, locals pay tribute to Pope Francis, recognizing his open-minded thinking as instrumental in addressing social issues that were once considered taboo. Across various cities like Santiago, Chile, Pope Francis is remembered for his unwavering support of vulnerable groups, including the LGBTQ community and refugees. World leaders in cities like Detroit also pay their respects to the late pontiff, honoring his global phenomenon status and his tireless efforts towards environmentalism, peace, and social justice.
