Pope Francis’s Death and His Achievements

Editor April 21, 2025Last Updated: April 21, 2025

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By FAITH UGBO

It’s no longer news that the revered Pope Francis is dead. He died at his residence at the age of 88. Before his death, here were some of his achievements.

Pope Francis, elected as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013, has made significant contributions and achievements on a global scale during his papacy. Here are some of his key achievements:

Focus on Social Justice: Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of social justice, particularly for the marginalized and the poor. He has encouraged the Church to be a voice for the voiceless and to advocate for economic systems that prioritize the needs of the disenfranchised.
Environmental Advocacy: His encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” published in 2015, calls for urgent action to address climate change and environmental degradation. This document has spurred global discussions on ecology and sustainability, framing the environmental crisis as both a moral and spiritual issue.
Interfaith Dialogue: Pope Francis has made significant strides in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. He has met with leaders from various religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, aiming to foster peace and collaboration among different faith communities.
Addressing Sexual Abuse: Since taking office, he has worked to address the sexual abuse crisis within the Church. He established a commission to address this issue, implemented new policies for accountability, and convened meetings of bishops to discuss reforms.
Global Peace Initiatives: Pope Francis has actively pursued peace and reconciliation in conflict areas, advocating for dialogue and negotiation rather than violence. He has made appeals for peace in countries like Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen.
Refugee and Migration Advocacy: He has consistently spoken out in favor of refugees and migrants, emphasizing the need for compassion and hospitality. His initiatives have included visiting refugee camps and encouraging countries to adopt more humane immigration policies.
Promotion of Women’s Roles: While the Catholic Church still holds traditional views on women’s ordination, Pope Francis has promoted the increased involvement of women in Church leadership roles and recognized their contributions to the Church and society.
Synodality and Reform within the Church: He has championed a more synodal approach to Church governance, emphasizing consultation and participation among the laity and clergy in decision-making processes. This approach aims to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its members.
Youth Engagement: Pope Francis has engaged with young people through initiatives like the World Youth Day and the Synod on Youth, aiming to address their concerns and foster their involvement in the Church.
Condemnation of Consumerism and Materialism: He has criticized excessive consumerism and economic inequality, urging people to reassess their values and priorities in light of their faith.

These achievements reflect Pope Francis’s vision for a more compassionate and inclusive Church, as well as his deep concern for pressing global issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace. His impact continues to resonate within the Catholic Church and beyond.