Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church, passed away on the morning of April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, just a day after delivering his Easter message.
His sudden departure, though not entirely unexpected due to his advanced age and recent health struggles, has left the world in mourning.
This article serves as a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, a shepherd who embodied compassion, simplicity, inclusiveness, and openness throughout his life and papacy.
Pope Francis was a man who lived fully in service of others, embodying the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi—loving the poor, caring for the planet, and pursuing peace. He reached out to the marginalized, the sick, and the poor with a spirit of humility, touching countless lives through his actions.
Whether visiting prisons, embracing the homeless, or speaking out for justice, Pope Francis demonstrated what it truly means to be a servant of the people. He reminded the world that spiritual practice is about engaging with the world and seeing the presence of God in all aspects of life, especially in suffering and poverty.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis tackled global crises, including war, ecological degradation, and economic inequality.
He courageously spoke out on behalf of the oppressed and always stood for dialogue and compassion, even in the face of controversies. His influence reached beyond politics and diplomacy, as he also acted as a guide of souls, teaching us how to remain calm and compassionate amidst the chaos of the world.
In his efforts to improve relations with China, Pope Francis advocated for dialogue over confrontation, believing in the power of walking together in faith.
He also brought significant change to the Church, particularly in regard to marginalized groups, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate Church.
Pope Francis’ legacy is not one of mere teachings but a lived faith. His unwavering dedication to the Gospel and the Kingdom of Heaven has left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
From his early days as a young man in Argentina to his later years as a frail, sick leader, he radiated the brilliance of his faith, much like a summer flower in full bloom. His peaceful passing, like the serene fall of autumn leaves, leaves the world with a profound sense of loss, yet also with enduring remembrance and respect.
The bells of St. Peter’s Square now toll, mourning the loss of Pope Francis while celebrating his legacy. We will miss his smile, his prayers, and the profound Gospel witness he provided.
As he rests in the embrace of the Heavenly Father, we continue to pray that he may bless us from heaven until we meet again.
Pope Francis, whose life was as splendid as summer flowers and death as peaceful as autumn leaves, we thank you. May your legacy continue to inspire us to live with compassion, love, and unwavering faith in Christ. - Fr. Han Qingping
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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