Pope Francis: A Legacy Worthy Pope, The People’s Pope

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is widely regarded as a legacy worthy leader of the Catholic Church and the broader world. His humility, compassion, and deep connection with everyday people have earned him the title “The People’s Pope.” From the start of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis set a tone of service, simplicity, and sincerity—a vision that continues to shape his legacy. He died, Easter Monday. RIP Pope Francis  born December 17, 1936, died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He was the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, serving 12 years until his death. 

One of the most striking features of his leadership is his emphasis on humility. By choosing the name “Francis,” after St. Francis of Assisi, he signaled a mission rooted in care for the poor, protection of creation, and the pursuit of peace. He declined luxurious living quarters and opted for simple transportation, showing that leadership is about service, not status. These early choices became a hallmark of his legacy worthy approach.

The cinematic world has captured his remarkable story through three significant films: The Two Popes (2019), Francesco (2020), and Conclave (2024).

The Two Popes, directed by Fernando Meirelles and starring Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI, explores the relationship between the outgoing and incoming popes. The film highlights honest conversations, philosophical debates, and the deep humanity behind each decision. It reflects Pope Francis’s belief in dialogue, forgiveness, and bridge-building—qualities that make his leadership both accessible and deeply legacy worthy.

Francesco (2020), a documentary by Evgeny Afineevsky, offers a wide-angle view of Pope Francis’s global mission. It covers his work on migration, climate change, economic inequality, and LGBTQ+ outreach. His willingness to speak boldly on difficult issues shows that his concern extends beyond Catholicism, embodying a legacy worthy model of universal compassion and action.

Conclave (2024), based on Robert Harris’s bestselling novel and directed by Edward Berger, dramatizes the secretive process of electing a new pope. Though fictional, it captures the anticipation and hope that surrounded the 2013 conclave. The world was longing for a fresh leader—someone humble, courageous, and visionary. Pope Francis answered that call, demonstrating leadership that was and remains deeply legacy worthy.

Pope Francis and the Oxygen of Forgiveness

Beyond the films, one of Pope Francis’s most important contributions is his vision of forgiveness.

Pope Francis consistently emphasizes forgiveness as a central Christian value, describing it as essential for healing and peace. He urges believers to imitate God’s boundless mercy, using vivid and memorable imagery:

• Forgiveness is like “oxygen that purifies the air of hatred,”

• and “an antidote to the poison of resentment.”

For Pope Francis, forgiveness is not merely a personal virtue.
It is a social necessity—one that has the power to heal relationships, families, and entire cultures.
By positioning forgiveness as a shared responsibility, he offers a vision for a cleaner, kinder world.
This message is a cornerstone of his legacy worthy spiritual leadership.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has championed a “culture of encounter,” encouraging dialogue across religions, ideologies, and nations. His major encyclicals—Laudato Si’ on the environment and Fratelli Tutti on human fraternity—invite people of all backgrounds to work together for justice, kindness, and solidarity. These writings are not just Church documents; they are legacy worthy calls to action for the entire world.

His moral courage is also evident in how he has confronted painful issues within the Church, including the clergy sexual abuse crisis. His efforts to promote accountability and healing reflect a leadership style rooted in honesty, humility, and hope.

Pope Francis’s global outlook is deeply shaped by his background as the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope. His sensitivity to economic injustice, cultural diversity, and environmental degradation has brought fresh urgency to the Vatican’s voice. His trips to overlooked and struggling regions, including South Sudan and Myanmar, demonstrate his belief that no people are forgotten in God’s eyes. This global compassion further secures his place as a legacy worthy figure in modern history.

Today, as the world faces division, uncertainty, and rapid change, Pope Francis remains a symbol of hope and healing. His life’s work reminds us that true leadership is not about grandeur but about goodness. It is about building bridges, mending wounds, and offering forgiveness like oxygen to a weary world.

Through his words, his actions, and his portrayal in The Two Popes, Francesco, and Conclave, Pope Francis has shown that a legacy worthy life is rooted in love, humility, and action.

As “The People’s Pope,” his mark on history is not just lasting—it is living.

The People’s Pope: Pope Francis

In death as in life, Pope Francis cast aside formality.  He wanted a simple funeral for a common man. But he was a pope, and simple is hard to do in the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican city.

Royals, presidents, and cardinals in a sea of red joined hundreds of thousands of the faithful at the pope’s funeral mass Saturday. The service underlined both history and continuity. Francis was the 266th pope of this two-thousand-year-old institution.

The People’s Pope Pope Francis was:

Pope Francis was loved when he was alive and will continue to be loved in death.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, numerous countries around the world honored his memory by lowering their national flags to half-mast. This gesture reflected the global respect for his papacy and the mourning of the Catholic community.

Argentina

As Pope Francis’s homeland, Argentina declared a week of national mourning from April 21 to 27, 2025. During this period, national flags were flown at half-mast on all government and public buildings.

Italy

In Italy, a predominantly Catholic country, flags were lowered to half-mast, and public events scheduled for April 21 and 22 were canceled in Rome to honor the Pope’s passing.

Australia
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Pope Francis as “a devoted champion and loving father” to all Catholics. The national flag was flown at half-mast on federal government buildings as a mark of respect.

 Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney  said “Pope Francis leaves a spiritual and ethical legacy that will shape our collective conscience for generations to come.” Canadian delegation to attend funeral. Flags at half mast.
United Kingdom
UK royal residences flew flags at half-mast in tribute to Pope Francis. While King Charles will. Not attend the funeral due to royal protocol, Prince William represented the British monarchy at the service.

United States

President Donald Trump ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff at all federal buildings, military posts, and embassies worldwide until sunset on the day of Pope Francis’s interment.

Poland

Poland declared a national day of mourning on April 26, 2025, coinciding with Pope Francis’s funeral. National flags were lowered to half-mast on all government and public buildings.

Hungary

Hungary observed a national day of mourning on April 26, 2025, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the late Pope.

Malta

Malta declared a national day of mourning for Pope Francis, during which national flags were lowered to half-mast on all government and public buildings.

Portugal

Portugal observed three days of national mourning from April 24 to 26, 2025, with flags flown at half-mast to pay tribute to Pope Francis.

Spain

Spain declared three days of mourning following the Pope’s death, during which national flags were lowered to half-mast on all government buildings.

Brazil

Brazil observed seven days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast to honor Pope Francis’s legacy.

Philippines

In the Philippines, churches rang bells in mourning, and national flags were flown at half-mast to honor Pope Francis.

Taiwan

Taiwan lowered its national flags to half-mast to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, reflecting the nation’s respect for the pontiff.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde declared a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast to honor Pope Francis.

Slovenia

Slovenia observed a period of mourning, during which national flags were lowered to half-mast in tribute to the Pope.

Slovakia

Slovakia’s Interior Minister announced that national flags would be flown at half-mast from April 22 to April 24, 2025, to honor Pope Francis.

Croatia

Croatia declared April 26, 2025, a day of mourning, with national flags flown at half-mast to pay respects to the late Pope.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina observed a day of mourning, during which national flags were lowered to half-mast in memory of Pope Francis.

Romania

Romania declared a day of mourning on April 26, 2025, with national flags flown at half-mast to honor the Pope’s passing.

Paraguay

Paraguay observed a period of mourning, during which national flags were lowered to half-mast in tribute to Pope Francis.

Peru

Peru declared three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the late Pope.

Chile

Cuba

Cuba declared a period of official mourning, with national flags flown at half-mast to pay tribute to the Pope.

Guatemala

Guatemala observed national mourning, during which flags were lowered to half-mast

The last full week of April 2025

The last full week of April 2025 was truly an eventful period, full of important observances, historical moments, and celestial events.
Here’s how it unfolded:

April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday & Death of Pope

April 21, 2025, was Easter Monday, a continuation of the joyous Easter celebrations, with families and communities coming together for gatherings, services, and moments of reflection. However, the day was marked by somber news as Pope John Paul III passed away, leaving the Catholic community in mourning. His death sent waves of grief across the world, with tributes pouring in from political, religious, and global leaders. The passing of the pontiff cast a shadow over the holiday’s festivities, and a period of mourning and remembrance began.

April 22, 2025 – Earth Day

Earth Day, on April 22, 2025, when Planet Earth’s inhabitants come together for environmental action. From protests calling for climate action to local tree planting events and cleanups, people across the globe participated in initiatives to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of sustainability. Governments, companies, and citizens made pledges toward reducing carbon footprints and protecting the natural world. It was a day to reflect on the planet’s fragility and take significant steps toward preserving it for future generations.

April 23, 2025 – World Book Day

On April 23, 2025, World Book Day celebrated literature and the profound impact books have on society. Schools, libraries, and cultural institutions hosted book fairs, author readings, and educational programs. This global celebration of reading served as a reminder of the power of literature to inspire, educate, and ignite imaginations. Many people took part by sharing their favorite books or exploring new authors, while others participated in storytelling events and discussions. HOPE The Autobiography of Pope Francis was published on January 14, 2025 written by Pope Francis (Author), Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Author).

April 24, 2025 – Yom HaShoah

April 24 marked Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. This somber occasion was observed worldwide with memorials and moments of reflection to honor the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust, as well as other victims of Nazi persecution. Ceremonies included survivor testimonies, educational programs, and a call to never forget the atrocities that occurred. Communities held candlelight vigils and held discussions about the importance of tolerance, memory, and human rights.

April 25, 2025 – ANZAC Day

April 25, 2025, was ANZAC Day, commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli during World War I. This significant day of remembrance was marked by dawn services, marches, and ceremonies in both countries, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of military personnel. Veterans and their families participated in events, ensuring that the memory of the fallen soldiers remained strong. It was a time of reflection on the costs of war and the importance of peace.

April 25, 2025 – Arbor Day

Arbor Day, celebrated on April 25, 2025, was a day dedicated to the planting and preservation of trees. Across the globe, communities came together to plant trees, learn about the importance of forests, and promote environmental sustainability. Many schools held educational programs about the role of trees in combating climate change, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. It was a day that highlighted the critical role that forests play in our environment and the necessity of protecting them.

April 25, 2025 – Smiley Face Friday, Venus-Mars Conjunction, and Moon

The final day of the week, April 27, brought a mix of cheerful, celestial, and reflective moments. It was Smiley Face Friday, a lighthearted observance that encouraged people to spread joy and positivity through simple acts of kindness, smiling faces, and happy moments. On the same day, the Venus-Mars conjunction took place, a stunning astronomical event where the two planets appeared close together in the night sky. This rare celestial alignment offered a mesmerizing display for stargazers and astrologers alike, symbolizing harmony and connection.

Additionally, the waxing gibbous moon illuminated the sky, providing a serene backdrop for the evening. Many took time to reflect on the week’s meaningful events, from the solemn remembrance of Yom HaShoah and ANZAC Day to the celebration of nature and happiness on Arbor Day and Smiley Face Friday.