Pope Francis, 1936-2025: A Pontificate of Peace
“The stories of migrants are always stories of an encounter between individuals and between cultures. For the communities and societies to which they come, migrants bring an opportunity for enrichment and the integral human development of all. Immigrants, if they are helped to integrate, are a blessing, a source of enrichment and new gift that encourages a society to grow.”
Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti of the Holy Father Francis, October 2020
The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) joins all those around the world mourning the loss of Pope Francis.
ICMC Secretary General Davide Bernocchi offers his reflections on a legacy of love, commitment, and action on behalf of the most vulnerable, including migrants, refugees, and all uprooted people.
“In a time of darkness, Catholics and many women and men of goodwill will feel orphaned by the loss of this advocate of truth and champion of human dignity. During the twelve years of his pontificate, Pope Francis has been a good shepherd for the Church and for the whole of humanity. With his simple and direct style, he was open to everyone and defended those left behind. He opposed evil with great courage and compassion, often alone, beginning with the arms trade and war.
Alongside the whole Church, the ICMC family will continue to treasure Pope Francis’ paternal love for migrants, refugees, and all uprooted people, whom he taught us to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate, in a spirit of sharing and solidarity. We pray for the eternal rest of his soul, and remain firm in the virtue to which he had dedicated the 2025 Jubilee: Hope”.
