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A girl listens to Pope Francis answer questions from children from different parts of the world during the event “Let Us Learn from Boys and Girls” in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Nov. 6, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
WASHINGTON—It is with profound sorrow and deep reverence that the International Center for Religion & Diplomacy marks the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a transformative spiritual leader whose unwavering commitment to compassion, justice, and peace inspired millions across faith traditions and geographical boundaries.
Pope Francis was a beacon of moral clarity in a world often fractured by conflict and division. His courageous calls for peace, persistent advocacy for dialogue, and tireless efforts toward reconciliation have guided our own work bridging religious considerations with peacebuilding efforts globally. Throughout his papacy, he stood as an important voice against the forces of authoritarianism and tyranny, championing freedom and justice even when doing so placed him at odds with powerful interests.
“War is a defeat for humanity,” Pope Francis often reminded us, a truth that resonates deeply in our daily endeavors. From the Middle East to Ukraine, from Myanmar to Palestine, he consistently raised his voice in solidarity with victims of violence and oppression, embodying his teachings through persistent diplomacy and groundbreaking interfaith outreach. His unwavering courage in speaking truth to power offered hope to oppressed communities worldwide.
In his landmark encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis wrote: “Every war leaves our world worse than it was before. War is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil.” These powerful words illuminate the path toward peace that we continue to follow in our conflict transformation efforts.
His vision of a “culture of encounter” inspires those of us working to bridge divides across faiths, cultures, and borders. Pope Francis’ insistence that “dialogue as the path; mutual cooperation as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard” provides timeless wisdom that consistently guides our engagement with diverse religious communities. His emphasis on the role of religious leaders in peacebuilding affirms the transformative potential of faith traditions when their values are channeled toward reconciliation and understanding.
While we mourn his passing, we also recommit ourselves to advancing the values Pope Francis championed: peace, compassion, justice, and the sacred dignity of every human life. We pledge to honor his legacy by continuing to build bridges across divides that seem insurmountable. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy a guiding light for peacemakers everywhere.
With profound respect and renewed resolve,
The ICRD Team