Pope Francis, 226th occupant of the Throne of St Peter, passed early Monday morning, due to stroke complications, leaving a legacy of humility and empathy.
“The defense of objective truth is not the only expression of this charity; it also includes kindness, patience, understanding, tenderness and encouragement. Therefore, we cannot be judges who only deny, reject and exclude,” Pope Francis.
Known as “The People’s Pope”, Francis was the first Latin American pontiff, a progressive and humble leader. Pope Francis challenged conservative views historically built into the Catholic Church.
His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. One day before his death, Pope Francis called upon the Vice President and other world leaders, “I appeal to the warning parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspire to a future of peace.”
The Pope’s willingness to rally and support progressive issues, spanning LGBTQ+ rights to immigration, will make him one of history’s most influential and empathetic Popes.
Francis took revolutionary actions to bring acceptance to the LGBTQ+ community. In December 2023, he formally signed off to allow Catholic priests to bless same sex marriages, which were systemically frowned upon.