As the world prepares to say its final farewell to Pope Francis following his passing on Monday, April 21, his legacy lives on — not just through the changes he brought to the Catholic Church, but in the wisdom and compassion of his words.
His funeral is set for Saturday, and many across the globe are pausing to reflect on the pope’s most memorable quotes — words that continue to inspire, challenge, and comfort.
From his views on mercy and inclusion to his strong stance on climate change and global peace, Pope Francis used his voice to nudge the Church and its followers toward deeper empathy and justice.
On Mercy, Kindness, and Welcoming Everyone
Pope Francis will always be remembered for leading with a heart full of compassion.
Over the years, he became known for encouraging kindness, inclusion, and the idea that the Church should be a space of love for all — not just some.
“A bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just,” he once said during a sermon in 2017.
And perhaps his most well-known quote — “Who am I to judge?” — came in 2013 when asked about a priest reportedly being gay.
With those five simple words, Francis opened the door to more conversations about acceptance in the Church.
While critics often pointed out that some of his reforms didn’t go as far as they’d hoped, others saw tangible change: the inclusion of women in more Church roles and the acceptance of blessings for both unmarried couples and same-sex unions marked quiet but meaningful shifts under his leadership.
On the Church’s Need for Change and Reaching the Margins
As the first pope from Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere, Francis brought a fresh perspective — one that prioritized the poor, the outcast, and the overlooked.
“How I would like a Church which is poor and for the poor!” he declared when explaining why he took the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
His namesake was known for his humility and deep care for the marginalized — values Pope Francis tried to emulate throughout his papacy.
In 2013, he further called the Church to step outside its walls and into the lives of those on the edges of society: “We must be a Church that goes out to the peripheries.”
For Francis, being Catholic wasn’t just about ritual — it was about presence, empathy, and action.
On the Environment and the Moral Urgency to Protect the Earth
Pope Francis wasn’t just concerned with spiritual matters — he was deeply worried about the planet.
In 2015, he published Laudato Si, a powerful 183-page letter urging all Catholics to take environmental responsibility seriously.
It wasn’t just a religious message; it became a global call to action and even helped fuel support for the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris.
“The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,” he wrote bluntly, connecting climate destruction with issues of poverty and inequality.
For Francis, caring for the environment was also about caring for the vulnerable — because they’re the ones most affected by the planet’s decline.
On Peace, Freedom, and a Hope for a Better World
Whether it was during war, global tension, or times of hardship, Pope Francis was consistent in one message: peace must come with dignity and freedom.
In his final Easter message, he didn’t shy away from naming conflict zones — Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Yemen all received his prayers.
He called for disarmament, reconciliation, and the release of political prisoners, saying that Easter was a “fitting” moment to reflect on liberation and forgiveness.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” he once said.
In a world increasingly divided, those words still ring loudly today.
Which of His Words Will Stay With You?
Even in death, Pope Francis’s voice continues to echo in the hearts of millions.
Whether you found hope in his gentle approach to inclusion, his commitment to the poor, or his passionate plea to save the planet, there’s no denying the impact of his words.
Which quote from Pope Francis speaks to you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts or continue the conversation with your community.
Because, as the pope showed us time and again — real change starts with a conversation.