By Samantha M
The late Pope Francis has had a significant global influence based on his and the Church’s values of protecting the most vulnerable. Pope Francis’s most notable qualities were his humility, humbleness, and efforts for peace. He did not live in the Apostolic Palace but instead the simple Vatican guesthouse. He chose to wear simple white robes and shoes, which symbolized his non-materialistic and simple values of humility.
Pope Francis openly spoke about the importance of addressing inequality, sustainability, and environmental protection in the age of climate change, and the prioritization of ethical business practices.
As the Ukraine war progressed, Pope Francis suggested that Ukraine should “waive the white flag” and choose peace efforts. He has not publicly named Russia as the aggressor. This has led to mixed emotions for Ukrainians who believe that justice needs to be served before any peace relations can be created. Pope Francis has expressed his condolences for the innocent Ukrainian lives that were taken away and for the violence that has occurred from aggressors onto Ukrainians.
Sudan has been closely watched globally out of fears of another civil war breaking out. The civil war that plagued Sudan prior to April 2023, cost the lives of 400,000 Sudanese people. Pope Francis made significant efforts to maintain peace and find common ground between the two rival leaders. In 2018, he supported a peace deal for Sudan to form a transitional government representing all people. Most notably, Pope Francis invited the two rival leaders, Kiir and Machar, to a spiritual retreat in the Vatican in April 2019. He performed the practice of kissing both feet of the two leaders, which was a significant symbol of humility, humbleness, and the importance of finding common ground between both leaders. Since the passing of Pope Francis, tensions have risen between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and forces loyal to Machar, which has led to another civil war erupting in April 2023.
In the war in Gaza, Pope Francis made an intimate connection to the Palestinians who are a part of the Holy Family Church in Gaza. Up until Pope Francis’s death, he would routinely call the church in the evenings to check on them. He emphasized the importance of establishing peace in Gaza and ending the war.
In the US and Mexico tensions, Pope Francis has publicly stated the importance of welcoming migrants fleeing for safety. He has opposed Trump’s and JD Vance’s stance on not welcoming migrants.
Pope Francis has shown through his actions and words that war does not address the underlying conflicts in countries. He has consistently highlighted the importance of stopping all wars and has shown concern over the victims, including children, who have died or suffered in the wars that have occurred during his reign. His legacy will always be remembered and has had a global impact in prioritizing peace among global leaders and citizens around the world.