On this Easter Monday, we join the chorus of voices mourning the passing of Pope Francis and celebrating his incredible life. The Holy Father was a true champion of the poor and marginalized around the world and he exemplified the care and compassion that is the very core of our faith. His vision of faith and justice lives on through the work of American Jesuits International (AJI), the Jesuits, and Catholics around the world as we continue to build a world in which the dignity of each person is respected, human rights are protected, creation is cared for, and all people thrive.
As the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a symbol of global justice, humility, and faith through his life but especially during his 12 years as Pope. Throughout his writing, he never ceased to advocate for policies and perspectives that cared for the least amongst us and worked to confront sinful global systems that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable population in the world.
As early as 2013, the Pope’s Encyclical Evangelii Gaudium argued for a vision of a missionary church, driven by joy and hope, and encouraged “a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.” We are inspired by his hope filled vision of our mission as Catholics and his willingness to change systems and structures of our society to better serve the needs of a changing world.
In Laudato Si’, published in May of 2015, Pope Francis delves into the importance of caring for our common home. Throughout the letter, the Pope highlights “the intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet,” encouraging us to recognize the exponential impact that ecological degradation has on the poorest populations in the world. For ten years, this document has guided efforts to live in more sustainable harmony with our planet and, importantly, to place indigenous populations at the center of this work. We continue to draw on this inspiring Encyclical in our work and reflect on its meaning as we prepare for Earth Day 2025 tomorrow.
Fratelli Tutti, the Holy Father’s encyclical on fraternity and social friendship, reminds us that we are all siblings in Christ and calls us to care for one another. At the same time, this Encyclical does not shy away from the complex questions of global justice and inequity. “Some people are born into economically stable families, receive a fine education, grow up well nourished, or naturally possess great talent. They will certainly not need a proactive state; they need only claim their freedom” The Pope explains “Yet the same rule clearly does not apply to a disabled person, to someone born in dire poverty, to those lacking a good education and with little access to adequate health care. If a society is governed primarily by the criteria of market freedom and efficiency, there is no place for such persons, and fraternity will remain just another vague ideal.” This dichotomy lies at the heart of our work and the words of the Pope continue to inspire our commitment to meaningful access to quality education for all people so that they may become protagonists in their lives and communities.
These brief examples only touch on the incredible depth and breadth of the Holy Father’s calls for social justice and peace. We continue to be moved by his testimony to the radical hope that springs forth from the Gospel and will continue to be nourished by his teachings for years to come. All of us at American Jesuits International join the world in praying for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul, knowing that his legacy will forever guide our work. Today, we pray with confidence that Christ will receive Pope Francis joyfully into His Kingdom, grant him eternal rest, and bathe him with His perpetual light of hope and joy for all of eternity. May he rest in peace.
