Pope Francis will be remembered as a champion of peace, tirelessly advocating for those affected by one of the most unjust human-made disasters: war. Throughout his papacy, he made frequent appeals for reconciliation and understanding, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict. His unwavering commitment to peace was most notably displayed through his numerous visits to war-torn regions, seeking to demonstrate solidarity with those suffering the devastating consequences of violence.
At his final public appearance, Pope Francis reiterated what had become a hallmark of his papacy: a powerful plea for peace that resonated deeply with audiences around the globe. This poignant message, traditionally delivered at the conclusion of his audiences, never lost its impact, even as he faced health challenges in his later years.
During the Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing, held just a day before his passing, Pope Francis’s words echoed the countless calls he had made throughout his papacy, urging global leaders to abandon their weapons and embrace dialogue. Despite his weakened voice, he insisted that someone read his message aloud on his behalf, ensuring that his call for peace would still carry across St. Peter’s Square and to viewers worldwide.
From the outset of his twelve-year pontificate, Pope Francis led the charge for global peace advocacy within the Catholic Church. His firm belief in the transformative power of reconciliation, coupled with the pressing need to end violence in all its forms, guided his words and actions. Earning the title “the Pope of the peripheries,” he consistently made time to remember and pray for those suffering from conflict. While he focused on areas that often dominate media narratives, he also extended his prayers to the forgotten corners of the globe enduring the harshest impacts of warfare.
A particularly symbolic gesture of his commitment occurred in April 2019 when he knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders, who were embroiled in a brutal civil war. In a moment that encapsulated his humility and deep yearning for peace, he implored President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar to set aside their differences and pursue peaceful resolutions. This intimate act underscored the Pope’s profound dedication to reconciliation in areas ravaged by conflict.
His advocacy transformed into a personal mission when, four years later, in February 2023, he made a historic visit to South Sudan. Alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Pope Francis addressed thousands of weary but hopeful faithful who had endured the relentless suffering caused by war. In a heartfelt address to the nation’s authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps at the Presidential Palace in Juba, he delivered a stark warning: “Future generations will either venerate your names or erase them from memory, based on your actions today.”
This message underscored the weight of responsibility that lay on the shoulders of leaders in times of conflict, urging them to choose the path of peace and healing for the sake of their nation’s future.
