Pope Francis
Pope Francis was noted for his humanity, personal warmth and humility. He fought war mongering, global indifference and a lack of concern for immigrants. He was definitely a people’s pope. His reaching out to all religions is part of a rich legacy that he leaves behind for us to carry forward.
Matthew Adukanil,
Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu
The world has lost a tall religious leader — he stood out for his simplicity. But, above all, it was his tough stance against war and his stances on key issues affecting humanity that clearly showed the pope to be a symbol of hope.
Devadas V.,
Kannur, Kerala
An ardent pacifist and a strong advocate of human rights, the pontiff was that shining beacon of hope and aspiration for millions at a time when ghastly wars have engulfed and threaten to tear apart parts of the world.
B. Suresh Kumar,
Coimbatore
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome, is no more.
For a Pope who preached constantly on mercy and renewal, his death immediately after Easter, which he celebrated with the people of Rome, must be seen as a final homily. His loss reverberates not only among Catholics but across humanity.
Elected in 2013 as the first pope from the Global South, Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio –1936-2025) revolutionised the papacy by centering his ministry along the lines of his master – Jesus of Nazerath – challenging injustice, showing compassion for the poor, and all those on the margins. His writings and speeches consistently challenge systemic injustice, urging his Church to be a “field hospital” for the wounded.
In his landmark encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (2013), Francis condemned “an economy of exclusion” and trickle-down theories that neglect the poor. He later linked ecological destruction to inequality in Laudato Si’ (2015), framing care for the earth as a moral duty, especially for vulnerable communities. His 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti called for global solidarity, rejecting nationalism and xenophobia.
Francis’s actions mirrored his words: He washed the feet of refugees, embraced the homeless, and denounced the “globalization of indifference.” He reformed Vatican finances to prioritise charity, supported labour rights, and apologised for Church failures, including clerical abuse and colonialism’s harms. Critics accused him of being too progressive, but he remained steadfast, declaring, “Who am I to judge?” while upholding dignity for LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced Catholics.
His vision endures. His legacy is one of radical humility. He chose a simple lifestyle, denounced clericalism, and reminded the world, just like Jesus of Nazareth did, that “the poor are at the heart of the Gospel.”
We need to remember Pope Francis not with despair, but with profound gratitude for his life of radical love, humility, and service. He taught that mercy is the bridge that heals the world, that the poor and forgotten are sacred, and that faith must always be lived with open arms.
In his own words: “God is not afraid of new things! That is why He is continually surprising us, opening our hearts and guiding us in unexpected ways. He renews us: He constantly makes us ‘new.’ A Christian who lives the Gospel is ‘new’ in this sense. God is not afraid! He is not afraid! He is greater than our plans and schemes.
Even in grief, we trust that his spirit now rests in the embrace of the Jesus of Nazareth, he served so faithfully. We can honour him by continuing his mission: building a world where no one is a stranger, and no one is left behind.
John Kurien,
Kozhikode, Kerala
We have lost a Pope who was compassion, love, humility and empathy personified . One who was found more among the poor, the downtrodden, the hapless and the unwanted than with the affluent, the rich and the powerful. Despite his failing health, reached out to the nations of all stake holders seeking their help to stop ongoing wars. In his passing, the world has become poorer in many ways.
Steve W. Frank,
Chennai
‘Safety issues’
It is shocking that the flagship train of the Indian Railways could have serious flaws (Page 1, April 21). At a time when the Railways are planning to operate trains at 160 kmph, there need to be immediate interventions. The introduction of luxury trains is welcome but not at the cost of passenger safety.
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
New home
The move to transfer two cheetahs to a second home in Madhya Pradesh (April 21) must be seen as a more confident measure to promote conservation and eco-tourism. One hopes that there are steps to boost monitored tourism.
R. Sampath,
Chennai
Published – April 22, 2025 12:24 am IST