The passing of His Holiness Pope Francis leaves the whole international community – and Italy in particular – with deep sorrow and a sense of emptiness.
But because of his leadership and dedication, Pope Francis also leaves us with a sense of hope for the future.
Remembering him in this General Assembly has a special meaning, due to Pope Francis’s relentless commitment to peace and a more just world, with a special focus on the peripheries of the world, on the poor and the most vulnerable.
With his hope stronger than any hardship, Pope Francis invited the world, and therefore all of us, to a change of course and to embark on a path that, I quote, “does not crush, but cultivates, repairs and protects”.
His example compels us all to walk in this direction to seek the path of peace, pursue the common good, protect our planet and build a more just and equitable, truly human society.
We cannot limit ourselves to remembrance and gratitude. The lessons of Pope Francis must translate into a sense of responsibility and in making the insights of his teachings our own.
Thank you.
