He Spoke to the Whole World: How Pope Francis Will Be Remembered

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. His words, spoken in dozens of languages, and his diplomacy of the heart left a lasting imprint on global history. This article explores how his remarkable language skills became a powerful tool for unity and understanding.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the 266th successor of Saint Peter, choosing the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. As the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to hold the position, he brought a refreshing humility to the Vatican. He declined the luxurious Apostolic Palace in favor of a modest room at the Casa Santa Marta, traded the Popemobile for an ordinary car, and famously called himself “a shepherd who smells of his sheep.”

His election in March 2013 marked a shift in tone. Instead of the traditional and formal “Habemus Papam”, he simply stepped out and greeted the crowd with a warm “Buona sera” ("Good evening"), asking for their prayers rather than their applause.

What Will the World Remember?

• Champion of the poor and vulnerable: Francis called poverty “the central issue of our time” and constantly reminded the world that being a shepherd meant standing with the weakest.
• Interfaith dialogue: He prayed in mosques and synagogues, visited the Great Mosque of Al-Azhar in Egypt and a mosque in Bangladesh, urging all to "build bridges, not walls."
• Ecology and science: His 2015 encyclical Laudato si’ was a landmark call to protect the planet, uniting religious and scientific communities alike.
• Openness on social issues: He addressed sexual abuse scandals, women’s roles in the Church, and the crisis of faith with transparency and a call for reform.
• Simplicity and charisma: His visits to prisons, hospitals, and shelters — along with his down-to-earth social media posts — made him feel like a Pope for the people.

His Reforms and Innovations

• Financial transparency: He created an independent audit authority, restructured the Vatican Bank, and dismissed corrupt officials — restoring trust in Church governance.
• LGBTQ+ inclusion: His iconic phrase “Who am I to judge?” and his blessing of civil unions marked a historic step toward acceptance.
• Synodality: He pushed for a more horizontal Church structure, inviting laypeople and women to take part in synods and key decisions.
• Canonizations: Francis declared over 800 people saints, including Mother Teresa and missionary priests, celebrating a wide diversity of holiness.
• Peacemaking: From UN speeches to visits in war zones, his diplomatic efforts strengthened the Vatican’s role as a global moral voice.
• Pastoral closeness: Casual dinners with security staff, morning walks through the Vatican, and personal talks with believers became hallmarks of his papacy.

The Gift of Language

Language as Diplomacy

The “Last Pope” Myth

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