Vatican City – Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88. He served as pope for more than a decade, earning global respect for his humility, progressive voice, and tireless advocacy for compassion, justice, and care for the poor and the planet.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and a moral leader well beyond the Catholic world. His death marks the end of a deeply influential era for the Church and the world.
As tributes come in from across the globe, many are remembering the values Pope Francis lived by—often captured in his own words. Here are 11 quotes that reflect the heart of his message:
1. On Mercy
“The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.”
2. On Compassion
“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”
3. On Doing Good
“We all have the duty to do good.”
4. On Nature
“God always forgives, we men forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives.”
5. On Hope
“Although the life of a person is in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow.”
6. On Refugees and Hypocrisy
“It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help.”
7. On Youth
“Dear young people, do not be afraid of making decisive choices in life. Have faith; the Lord will not abandon you!”
8. On Education
“Education is not about knowing things but about using the head, the heart, and the hands together.”
9. On the Environment
“As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.”
10. On Dialogue and Peace
“It is impossible for peace to exist without dialogue.”
11. On Fear and Faith
“God’s love calls us to move beyond fear. We ask for the courage to put on faith, hope, and love.”
Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his role as a religious leader but also as a voice of reason and compassion in a complex world. His legacy lives on in his words and the millions he inspired to walk a path of love, humility, and justice.