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22 April 2025
As someone who is not Catholic, I nevertheless have found myself deeply moved and inspired by the leadership of Pope Francis. While I disagreed with many specific issues, his commitment to making religion more relevant and responsive to the pressing challenges of our time is something I’ve long admired. Whether addressing climate change, advocating for the poor and marginalized, or speaking out on issues of justice and human dignity, Pope Francis has consistently demonstrated the need for a moral voice that transcends religious boundaries.
His leadership has served as a powerful reminder that faith, in all its forms, can and must play a role in healing a fractured world. I have appreciated his ability to speak to the spiritual core of global issues while remaining grounded in humility and humanity. In doing so, he has helped reframe what religious leadership can look like in the 21st century—not as a force apart from the world, but as one deeply engaged in its betterment.
The papacy carries tremendous influence on the global stage, and Pope Francis has wielded that influence with courage and empathy. As the world anticipates potential transitions in the Vatican and beyond, it’s worth noting just how profound an impact his voice and vision have had—not just within the Catholic Church, but across religious and cultural divides. We are, I believe, entering a moment of change shaped in part by his legacy—a legacy of inclusion, justice, and hope.
May his memory be a blessing.
Gil