After his departure to the Father’s House, we recall the keys and fruits of the pontificate of Francis, the Pope of mercy and concrete gestures.
With deep gratitude and prayerful hearts, we bid farewell to Pope Francis, who has departed to the Father’s House after more than a decade of guiding the Church with the power of the Gospel, the witness of simplicity and a deeply Marian and missionary heart.
His pontificate, which began in March 2013, marked a before and after in the life of the Church. These are some of the most significant measures, actions and transformations that he leaves as a living legacy:
- An “outgoing” Church
From the outset, Pope Francis called for a Church that ‘goes out to the encounter’, that goes to the geographical and existential peripheries. This vision renewed the pastoral dynamism in parishes, dioceses and religious congregations.
- Curia reform and transparency
He promoted a profound restructuring of the Roman Curia to make it more efficient, synodal and transparent. He promoted anti-corruption measures and strengthened the Vatican’s economic transparency.
- Synodality as a way
Convened the Synod on Synodality, inviting the whole Church to listen, dialogue and discern in communion. It opened consultative processes involving lay people, religious and people from diverse cultures.
- Mercy at the centre
Proclaimed the Jubilee Year of Mercy (2015-2016), bringing the tenderness of God to the heart of the Christian message. Promoted sacramental closeness, especially through forgiveness.
- Defender of the Common House
His encyclical Laudato si’ is one of the most influential documents of the 21st century on environmental care, climate justice and respect for creation.
- Interfaith bridges
He strengthened inter-religious dialogue, especially with the Muslim and Jewish world, promoting historic meetings such as Abu Dhabi, where he signed the Document on Human Brotherhood.
- Closeness to the poor
He strongly denounced the throwaway culture, economic selfishness and global indifference. He promoted the World Day of the Poor, recalling that ‘the poor are the heart of the Gospel’.
- A simple and profound spirituality
From his motto ‘He looked on him with mercy and chose him’ to his daily homilies in Santa Marta, he taught us to live the Gospel in everyday life, through small gestures of love and coherence.
- Promoting the role of women in the Church
Although with cautious steps, Francis appointed women to important positions in the Vatican and opened spaces for reflection on their active role in the life of the Church.
- A close and Marian Pope
His devotion to Our Lady, his love for St. Joseph and his continuous appeals to pray for him showed his humanity, humility and trust in the faithful people.
As Angelic Sisters, we thank God for the gift of her life and her teaching.
Francis leaves us the legacy of a more evangelical, poorer and more fraternal Church. We will continue to pray for him and to seek his intercession from heaven, in the certainty that his sowing will continue to bear fruit of life, hope and renewal.
Rest in peace, Holy Father. May the Virgin Mary and Saint Genevieve receive you in the eternal embrace of the Father.