Pope Francis has left behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and commitment to inclusivity. Throughout his papacy, he consistently reached out to the marginalised, broke traditional barriers and stereotypes and emphasised the importance of unity in the community.
These are instances where the pontiff showed his down-to-earth nature in the world.
A show of humility
When Pope Francis first appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in March 2013, he bowed his head and asked the crowd to pray for him
“Pray for me.”
That simple request said everything about the kind of leader he wanted to be. Instead of asserting power, he showed humility.
Asking for prayers showed he knew the road ahead would be tough. He needed help, not just from God, but from the faith and support of the people.
That moment still stands out today. It shaped a papacy centred on compassion, justice, and humility. And it taught a powerful truth: real strength comes from admitting we are human and we need each other.
Washing 12 refugees
On March 28, 2024, Pope Francis, who was facing health and mobility issues, took part in a ceremony where he washed the feet of female inmates at Rebibbia prison in Rome while in a wheelchair. This special foot-washing tradition happens every year on the Thursday before Easter. The ritual is a show of humility and service to others. It is meant to copy what Jesus did when he washed his disciples’ feet the night before he died, showing humility and love.
Earlier, on March 24, 2016, during the same Holy Thursday event, Pope Francis visited a refugee centre in Castelnuovo di Porto, Italy. There, he washed and kissed the feet of 12 refugees from different religions: Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Hindus, and Catholics. This act reflected Jesus’ kindness and reminded people of the importance of serving others. At a time when anti-immigrant feelings were growing in Europe, the Pope said, “We are brothers and children of the same God who want to live in peace, integrated,” stressing the need for unity.
Since becoming pope, he has always chosen to hold this ceremony outside the Vatican. He often visits places like prisons, refugee centres, and homes for people with disabilities, to wash the feet of those who are usually forgotten by society.
LGBTQ+ advocacy
One of the most iconic moments early in Pope Francis’ papacy came in July 2013. Speaking to reporters on a flight, he famously said, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” This off-the-cuff remark signalled a more merciful tone and brought about inclusion and quickly became a defining moment of his papacy, sparking both praise and criticism in the Catholic world.
In October 2020, Pope Francis, in the documentary Francesco, publicly supported same-sex civil unions.
“What we have to create is a civil union law. That way, they are legally covered,” he said.
This was historic. The first time a pope had endorsed legal protections for same-sex couples. While he didn’t equate them with sacramental marriage, his support for legal rights showed a desire to meet LGBTQ+ people where they are.
In January 2023, in an interview with the Associated Press while reacting to the criminalisation of homosexuality in many countries, he said that the laws were unjust and unaccommodating, noting that homosexuality was not a crime.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime… These laws are unjust.”
He urged Catholic bishops, especially in places with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, to oppose them and adopt a more welcoming, pastoral approach.
In December 2023, the Vatican released Fiducia Supplicans, a declaration allowing priests to bless individuals in same-sex relationships. While the blessings weren’t seen as approval of same-sex unions, they were framed as acts of grace. Francis said,
“The Lord blesses everyone capable of being baptised, that is, every person,” the pontiff said, affirming the dignity and spiritual value of LGBTQ+ people.
Pope Francis’ legacy on LGBTQ+ issues is not without tension. Traditionalists criticised him, saying he was blurring doctrine, while progressives praised him and wished that he had gone further. Still, his words and actions have changed the global conversation.
Interfaith dialogue
Pope Francis welcomed interfaith dialogue. He believed that peace begins with respect and understanding among religions.
“Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. We must therefore consider ourselves and conduct ourselves as such,” he said this in 2016 during his visit to the Central Mosque in Bangui, Central African Republic.
In February 2019, he signed the “Document on Human Fraternity” in Abu Dhabi with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb. It was the first time a Pope visited the Arabian Peninsula.
“The time has come when religions should unite their efforts in a common cause,” he declared.
Pope Francis has also reached out to other faiths. In 2014, he met with Patriarch Bartholomew I, the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. They prayed together at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
“Unity will not come about as a miracle at the end. It comes in the journey,” Pope Francis said.
In 2015, the Pope visited a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
“Religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war.”
He also visited a synagogue in Rome in 2016.
“We are called to reflect deeply on our spiritual bond… and to treasure the rich heritage which we share.”
Migrants
In his first pastoral trip outside Rome on July 8, 2013, Pope Francis travelled to Lampedusa, a primary entry point for migrants into Europe. Moved by the frequent tragedies at sea, he described the recurring news of migrant deaths as a thorn in the heart. During a mass held near the graveyard of wrecks, he lamented the globalisation of indifference and called for collective responsibility.
“Who is responsible for the blood of these brothers and sisters of ours?” he asked.