SIHMA Pays Tribute to Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion and Justice
SIHMA, the Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa, is deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Catholics around the world.
In a world often divided by borders and ideologies, there are figures who transcend barriers, weaving a narrative of hope, compassion, and humanity. Pope Francis was such a figure. His papacy lit the darkest corners of society, embracing the sidelined and uniting millions under the banner of faith and justice. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the legacy of a man who challenged leaders to prioritise humanity over politics and inspired generations to live by the values of love, forgiveness, and justice.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following complications from a stroke and "irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse”. His unwavering dedication to the plight of migrants and refugees, coupled with his bold advocacy for their dignity, marked a defining aspect of his papacy. During his tenure, the world witnessed numerous humanitarian crises from the Mediterranean refugee tragedy to civil conflicts in Africa and an unsettling rise in anti-immigrant sentiment. Yet, amidst these challenges, Pope Francis's voice resonated as a beacon of hope and action.
Pope Francis's commitment to migrants and refugees was not confined to words; it was reflected in his actions (Giovanna Dell Orto & Renata Brito, 2025). Here are some notable examples:
- Visiting Migrant Destinations: His first papal visit was to Lampedusa, an Italian island pivotal in the Mediterranean migrant route. In 2016, he visited Lesbos during the peak of the Syrian refugee crisis, bringing three refugee families back to Italy as a symbol of solidarity (DW, 2016).
- Supporting Refugee Resettlement: In 2021, during a visit to Cyprus, he repeated his gesture of personally assisting refugee resettlement.
- Speaking Against Anti-Immigration Policies: Pope Francis was outspoken in opposing anti-immigration stances. Notably, in 2016, he celebrated mass near the US-Mexico border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and in 2025, condemned US mass deportation plans as "a disgrace" (Emma Bubola, 2025).
- Honouring Migrant Advocates: On October 9, 2022, he canonised Blessed Bishop John Baptist Scalabrini, a historical figure deeply committed to migrant welfare. Scalabrinian organisations now serve global migrant communities in 39 countries.
Pope Francis’s words during the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on January 17, 2016, encapsulate his vision: “Migrants are our brothers and sisters in search of a better life, far away from poverty, hunger, exploitation and the unjust distribution of the planet’s resources which are meant to be equitably shared by all. Don’t we all want a better, more decent and prosperous life to share with our loved ones?” His statement resonates deeply, reminding humanity of our collective responsibility to create a fairer world for all.
Through these efforts, Pope Francis demonstrated his unyielding belief in treating all human beings, migrants and refugees included, with dignity and respect. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of advocacy and action in the pursuit of social justice.
As Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid aptly described, the pope was "a remarkable religious and humanitarian leader whose life was devoted to promoting peace, alleviating poverty, and fostering interfaith tolerance." His humanitarian stance against war and violence and his continuous calls for peace and coexistence leave an indelible mark on the world. Across the globe, leaders, believers, and admirers are commemorating Pope Francis's remarkable contributions and paying their respects.
Pope Francis’s legacy is a profound reminder that leadership is not measured by power but by service. His courage to confront global injustices, his humility in embracing the marginalised, and his tireless advocacy for migrants and refugees stand as enduring lessons for all. In honouring his life, let us carry forward his mission, transforming compassion into action, and ensuring that the values he championed continue to guide our path toward a better world. Pope Francis may have departed, but his spirit will forever inspire humanity to rise above division and hatred and embrace the boundless power of love and justice.
Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash
References
DW. (2016, April 16). Pope Francis visits migrants on Lesbos. Retrieved from DW: https://www.dw.com/en/pope-francis-and-orthodox-leaders-visit-migrants-on-lesbos/a-19192669
Emma Bubola. ( 2025, Feb 11). Pope Criticises Trump’s Deportation of Migrants as a Violation of Dignity. Retrieved from The New York Time: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/world/europe/pope-trump-immigration-deportations.html
Giovanna Dell Orto & Renata Brito. (2025, April 22). Defending migrants was a priority for Pope Francis from the earliest days of his papacy. Retrieved from The Association Press (AP): https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-migrant-advocate-82193bcef21f096ce5f9754bba8f0cbb
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