Every time we say goodbye to an international personality, we notice a change in the world dynamics.
The world mourned for Pope Francis with a heavy heart, as he had been a person who was able to connect with people from different walks of life and nationalities.
His compassion for mankind, no matter what their belief and faith were, connected people across the world.
He spoke relentlessly for the poor, victims of war, refugees, and migrants. While their issues might have been addressed in meetings, Pope Francis spoke for them with hope. Just with his presence and words, he was able to generate interfaith unity.
He had a background in chemistry, taught literature and psychology in college, and attained a doctorate in theology. He has been referred to as the people’s pope, maybe for his acceptance of all or even for his willingness to let people take selfies with him, but he also won the title, Person of the Year by Time in 2013.
He had received America’s highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Biden in January 2025.
In the future, when we look at this day in history, it will be stated that this was the day when the world lost Pope Francis in the year 2025, but along with that bit of history would also be a memory of the values he stood for.
Even in his last address on Easter Sunday, he was concerned about the suffering of people.
In a speech, he spoke about receiving very serious and painful news from Gaza and how unarmed civilians were being subjected to bombings and shootings. And he urged, ‘Let’s pray for peace.’
He wanted the world to recognise the sufferings of the refugees and migrants. Not all leaders stood by his stand, but they all mourned his departure.
He had a mission, and he took it seriously. He spoke on behalf of Planet Earth too.
Pope Francis had written a letter addressed to every person on this planet, urging all to protect the Earth, ‘Our common home.’
In the letter, he had written, “The Earth is God’s gift to us, full of beauty and wonder, where the fruits of the Earth belong to everyone.”
We enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, not realising how many are able to enjoy the same experiences across the earth. Peace on Earth and peace of mind are interlinked. People might migrate because of unrest that could be natural or man-made.
St Peter Square is being filled with visitors like any other occasion, but this time there will be the media, and everyone knows in their hearts that this is a day that is going to be etched in history as the world takes in the news of the Pope’s passing, whom they had just seen the previous day, on Easter.
The pope stood by his mission throughout his life, but for the rest of the world, it could be momentary wisdom that he imparted throughout. However, with dedicated concerns and measures taken, lives could be made better from each home to society to nations and the world as a whole.
The voices of sufferers may not be heard, as they may not have a platform to express their concerns and experiences, but some listeners do seek to hear them and understand their plight.
Days before his departure, the Pope had visited a prison, a clear indication that no one should be forgotten.
It makes us wonder about judging others and branding them forever. It is also an inspiration and realisation of how important hope is - in giving and possessing the thoughts of hope.
We often tend to forget that each day starts with sunshine filled with opportunities. Our emotions tend to rule our minds, not realising the simple logic that when we are stuck in circumstances, we can try to change our situations.
So when the suffering grows, some might think of crossing land and sea, not knowing the invisible lines of borders are prevalent in order to maintain regulations.
It can be a never-ending debate, but if they have peace on their land, guaranteeing safety and resources, as well as opportunities, people would not really want to suffer and take risks.
People are in search of a better life and means to provide for their families.
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