The death of Pope Fracis, who was the head of the Christian Catholic Church and elected as Pope in 2013 and who continued the papacy until his last breath, is shocking. His death on 21 April 2025 is an irreparable loss not only to his followers but also all over the world. But many of the activities of the late spiritual leader, who was born in Argentina on December 17, 1936 and became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, of more than one-sixth of the world’s population bear significance.
Pope Francis — the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church — was vocal and concerned about various problems all over the world. He is renowned for his progressive leadership and emphasis on social justice across the world. He played a vital role in restoring full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba and actively promoted peace between Israelis and Palestinians, along with staying vocal for peace in many other wars in different regions. Pope Francis, also known as the “pope of the peripheries,” also championed the marginalized people all over the world, especially immigrants, the poor and refugees. I am deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Pope Francis.
Photo credit: https://edition.cnn.com/.
Pope Francis, who is also known for his emphasis on dialogue, synodality and ecumenism, has advocated for the practices and laws and policies that would affirm and advance human dignity all over the world and put emphasis on the inherent worth of every person, regardless of religion, country and caste. He also made remarkable efforts to promote the much needed interfaith cooperation and actively engaged in dialogues with many leaders of other religions including Islam for the religious cooperation amidst religion-based conflicts and religious intolerance in several regions of the world.
Among the others, Pope Francis, who is the first Jesuit to hold the position of the Catholic Head, made significant strides in addressing climate issues. He has used his papacy to raise awareness about climate change and its deadly impacts on the environment and the world. He has also frequently criticized systemic inequality and the exploitation of the vulnerable all over the world — urging for a more just and equitable world.
It is desired that the good activities of Pope Francis are kept through works. These will be helpful, not only for the followers of the Catholic Church but also others across the world. While staying vocal by the next popes about the war and other major problems will help address various concerns, promoting interfaith cooperation will help reduce religious tensions all over the world.
Amir M Sayem
Founder and Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
