Pope Francis’s influence as a champion of progressive causes and advocate for the marginalised will be deeply missed (The Guardian view on Pope Francis: an outsider who was a force for good in the world, 21 April). His commitment to addressing the climate crisis was unwavering, and his encyclical Laudato Si’ was a powerful call to action that resonated with millions worldwide.
Within the church, Francis introduced significant reforms, including blessings for same-sex couples and a greater role for women in running Catholic institutions. His vision for a more compassionate and inclusive church, which he likened to “a field hospital”, focused on those who suffer, marked a significant shift in tone and emphasis.
As a global leader, Francis stood up for vulnerable and forgotten people, challenging inward-looking nationalism and advocating for a more merciful and less rigid approach. His leadership on issues like migration and global heating was a much-needed counterweight to the rise of populism, and his advocacy on behalf of people in poverty was a testament to his commitment to social justice.
Francis’s passing leaves a void in the world, but his impact on the Catholic church and beyond will be felt for generations to come. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, empathy and kindness in shaping a more just and equitable world.
Abir Ahasan Abdullah
London
• The international wave of admiration for Pope Francis speaks volumes for his commitment to people and the planet, and he left the world stage as a powerful player, committed to influencing global leaders. The impact of his legacy on individuals is as marked. As a Catholic, I seem to have spent much of my life rather reticent to say so, not the least given the historical scandals that have surrounded the church.
Francis has changed that for me. The problems of the past may not have been dealt with as they should have been and, in a worldwide congregation, the nature of Catholicism means there will always be a strong divergence of opinions on faith. However, what Francis gave me and many others was the feeling that for once I was on the right side. His concerns were my concerns. An independent leader I could follow and be proud to say so.
Antony Bellekom
Collingham, Nottinghamshire
• It is not only the Roman Catholic church that will mourn the passing and give thanks for the legacy of Pope Francis. In the vacuum of leadership in other traditions, with the archbishop of Canterbury being unseated on the battleground that has become the Church of England, Pope Francis has united people of faith who have lost faith in religious institutions. The post-Christian age has given birth to a generation of spiritual refugees. It is ironic that someone at the heart of an ancient and often intransigent religious organisation has spoken in a way that has burst the tomb traditional churches have built for Christianity.
The message of compassion, humanity and justice delivered by Pope Francis rises beyond the chaos and disengagement of modern life and faith. All people of faith can look in hope to his ideals being continued as his successor builds on the foundation he has laid. His passing has revealed the historical, social and institutional gulfs that his pontificate has spanned, a bridge builder in much more than name alone.
Fr Peter MacLeod-Miller
Rector, St Matthew’s Anglican church, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
• Pope Francis will be sorely missed by millions across the world. He was a moral voice who raised awareness about the repercussions of climate change, biodiversity loss, global inequalities, environmental decay and food insecurity. In his last Easter sermon, a day before he passed away, he remembered the wretched peoples of Gaza. He lamented a ruthless and cruel war that afflicted deep wounds on women and children, who bear a disproportionate burden.
He prayed for peoples and leaders in the world to resolutely pursue a voyage of peace and tranquillity. Let us hope that his tenacity, steadfastness and stoicism will act as a guide for humanity at large.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
Willesden Green, London
• Do you have a photograph you’d like to share with Guardian readers? If so, please click here to upload it. A selection will be published in our Readers’ best photographs galleries and in the print edition on Saturdays.
