A Papacy of Compassion: Pope Francis’s Legacy of Justice and Inclusion

Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and a steadfast voice for the marginalized, died Monday, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, humility and a radical commitment to social justice.

Pope Francis: Dec 17, 1936 - Apr 21, 2025. Photo, VATICAN MEDIA Divisione

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis rose from modest beginnings to become the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His election in 2013 marked a series of firsts: the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America and the first to take the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized what he often called "the peripheries" — not just geographically distant places, but communities and individuals pushed to the edges of society. His theology centered on the “preferential option for the poor,” a Catholic social teaching that calls for prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable.

His deep concern for human dignity extended to communities often overlooked by global leadership. He frequently condemned racism, most notably in the aftermath of the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States. “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form,” he said, “and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”

Pope Francis's relationship with the African continent reflected his broad vision of inclusion and equity. His apostolic journeys took him to countries including Kenya, Uganda, the Central African Republic, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. In each, he spoke against violence, economic exploitation and environmental degradation while urging peace and reconciliation.

His 2023 visit to South Sudan was historic—not only because it occurred amid ongoing civil unrest, but because he traveled alongside Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby and Presbyterian leader Iain Greenshields. Their joint pilgrimage underscored Pope Francis’s belief in ecumenical cooperation as a path toward healing.

He also worked to elevate African voices within the Church, appointing key figures like Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana to senior Vatican roles focused on justice, peace and the environment.

Despite criticism from some traditionalists for his progressive tone and emphasis on mercy, Pope Francis remained unwavering in his approach. He repeatedly reminded the faithful that “the Church is not a customs house,” and called for a “revolution of tenderness” in how the Church and the world treat the poor, the immigrant and the excluded.

In Laudato Si’, his landmark encyclical on the environment, and Fratelli Tutti, his reflection on human fraternity, he challenged both the faithful and global leaders to confront economic inequality, climate change and the roots of social division.

Even in his later years, as health challenges mounted, Francis never lost sight of his mission. He remained outspoken about the arms trade, the mistreatment of migrants and what he termed “the globalization of indifference.”

Pope Francis’s life was not only a reflection of the Church’s evolving face — more diverse, more global — but also a call to conscience for people of all faiths. He leaves behind a Catholic Church still wrestling with change, but inspired by a pontiff who chose simplicity, inclusion and justice as the heart of his ministry.

He is survived by a world forever shaped by his plea to “go to the margins” — and listen.