Remembering Pope Francis: A leader of compassion, change, and courage

When news broke that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, it marked the end of a remarkable 12-year papacy that affected many people — including non-Catholics.

Though I am a Hindu, I admired Pope Francis as a global leader.

For over a decade as pope, through his words and actions, he built a reputation for his compassion, humility, and deep commitment to social justice — qualities that made him stand apart, even to those of us outside the faith.

One of the most powerful moments of his papacy was his 2022 visit to Canada. During this trip, Pope Francis made an unprecedented and deeply moving apology to Indigenous communities for the Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system. His words were heartfelt and historic.

“I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous Peoples,” the pontiff said.

In the weeks after this visit, he would go on to say the system carried out a cultural genocide. That was a huge step for someone in his position, acknowledging the harm the church caused. For me, it was a reminder of the importance of recognizing wrongdoings and, when possible, taking steps towards healing.

Many Indigenous leaders were touched by the apology, but many also emphasized that words alone wouldn’t lead to change. I agree — while the apology was an important first step, lasting change requires action.

But still, the fact that Pope Francis took such an essential first step is something many people, no matter their religion, can appreciate. It showed courage to face difficult truths.

His papacy was also marked by his everyday actions that demonstrated his belief in the dignity of all people. He chose to live in a simple guest house in the Vatican instead of the lavish Apostolic Palace, rode in a modest Fiat during his 2015 trip to the U.S., and often visited the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.

One of his most striking acts of inclusivity was moving the Holy Thursday feet-washing ceremony from a church in Rome to prisons. The inmates whose feet he washed included women and non-Christians — a gesture that highlighted his belief in serving others, regardless of their background or status. For me, this was a powerful example of his commitment to humility and love for all.

His inclusivity extended to the LGBTQIA+ community, too. In July 2013, he famously said, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge?”

That simple statement was groundbreaking and resonated with so many who felt rejected by the church. Later, he condemned laws criminalizing homosexuality, calling them “unjust.” Pope Francis made it clear that the church should be a place where everyone — no matter their sexuality — is welcome.

However, the pontiff wasn’t without controversy. While he opened the doors to many, he also held onto traditional beliefs on certain issues, especially abortion. His comparison of abortion to “hiring a hitman” stirred strong reactions, and as someone who believes in reproductive rights, I disagree with this view. But I also understand that, despite his progressive stances on many issues, he was still deeply rooted in the church’s long-standing teachings.

He also sparked controversy when he suggested Ukraine consider negotiating with Russia — a statement that many found difficult to understand given the suffering of Ukrainians. While his intent was likely to promote peace, the timing and phrasing of his remarks sparked anger.

But his overall messages of peace and diplomacy resonated with many people, and I admire how he never wavered from advocating for dialogue — even in the most difficult situations.

Pope Francis was also one of the loudest religious leaders to speak out on climate change, urging the world to take action in his 2015 encyclical Laudato si’. His concern for the planet, coupled with his efforts to reduce poverty and address global conflicts, showed that his papacy wasn’t just about internal church matters. He understood that faith must translate into action in the real world.

I hope Pope Francis’s successor will continue the work he started. While no one can truly replace him, I’d love to see someone with a similar vision of inclusivity, peace, and social justice. Pope Francis’s legacy shows us that a true leader doesn’t just talk the talk — they walk the walk and change the world in doing so.

Although his leadership wasn’t perfect, it was filled with love — and that’s something we all can learn from.