The world is a better place for Pope Francis
As royalty and heads of state travel to Rome to bid farewell to Pope Francis, millions of people around the world join them in mourning a leader who transcended religious boundaries. The outpouring of affection and grief extends far beyond the world's Catholics.
That affection is unsurprising. I was lucky enough to know Pope Francis personally, and his characteristic greeting of 'John, you must pray for me,' was immediately disarming. It exemplified his humility, simplicity and warmth, and even carried a suggestion of the wit he showed in private. It was through his encouragement that I became involved in work to combat modern slavery and human trafficking.
But there was also a sterner, authoritative, 'Old Testament' side to Pope Francis. In these often turbulent and adversarial times he was steadfast in asserting his position as a moral leader, and he did so with a combination of humanity, frankness and clarity that achieved universal resonance. His death does not merely represent the end of a papal tenure. It is the culmination of a journey marked by courage, empathy and a resolute belief in the principles of the Good Shepherd. Pope Francis took us along a route that we would do well to continue to follow.
Even amid pomp and ceremony, he remained a man of the people. As the first Latin-American pope he brought a distinctive and fresh perspective on our society, on the haves and have-nots. His background as a Jesuit instilled in him a deep sense of social justice and a commitment to serving people who were marginalised or oppressed. He challenged indifference to poverty with unwavering conviction, reminding the privileged that human dignity is universal and non-negotiable. He consistently emphasised a preferential option for the poor. His ministry transformed the Church's engagement with issues of social justice.
These initiatives were part of his tireless work to ensure the Church remained relevant at times of rapid and challenging change. His encyclicals, such as Laudato si and Fratelli tutti, called for a renewed emphasis on environmental stewardship, social justice, and fraternity among all people, regardless of faith or background. In a world plagued by authoritarianism, disregard for the rule of law, and diminishing respect for human life, he stood as a beacon of moral clarity.
Pope Francis's tenure was not without controversy. His progressive stance on issues such as economic inequality, climate change, and the inclusion of marginalised groups within the Church prompted criticism as well as admiration. Yet his passion for these causes remained unwavering. He moved the ball down the playing field – and he took the people with him.
It helped that Pope Francis, with his ability to speak to the universal human experience, was such a remarkable bridge-builder among faiths. He recognised that the challenges facing humanity cannot be surmounted without a collective effort. In a world where religious differences are too often exploited to create division, he sought and mapped out common ground, fostering dialogues with Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist leaders. By taking the lead in fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect, he set a standard for future generations.
He continued to embody the virtues of the Good Shepherd in his final days. Despite his frail health and physical limitations, he remained resolute in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. He understood that a crucial part of his role as a leader was to be present, to offer solace and guidance, especially in times of hardship. In his final act of courage, Pope Francis demonstrated that moral leadership is not about power or prestige but about service and sacrifice.
As we reflect on the life and death of Pope Francis, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the world. His legacy is rich, multifaceted and vibrant. He leaves behind a Church that is more inclusive, more compassionate, and more attuned to the needs and the spirit of the modern world.
John Studzinski KSG is Vice Chairman and a Managing Director of PIMCO, and Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation
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