The Papacy of Pope Francis : Relevance for the World and Celebrations in Asia

Pope Francis - much like Mahatma Gandhi—has championed humility, dialogue, and justice, inspiring people across faiths and cultures. His commitment to social equity, environmental stewardship, and interreligious harmony has left a profound mark on the world and resonates deeply in Asia’s diverse societies. This article by Esther Kar captures how Pope Francis' legacy is celebrated and why his message remains so relevant in our times.

The Papacy of Pope Francis : Relevance for the World and Celebrations in Asia

Esther Kar 

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013. The 266th Pope, he was the first from the Americas, hailing from Argentina, and the first Jesuit Pope. As the leader of the Catholic Church, which has over 1.3 billion followers, he held significant spiritual influence. But beyond that, Pope Francis had become a transformative figure in the Catholic Church and the broader global community by a distinctive approach to leadership, emphasizing humility, mercy, and social justice. His contribution to environmental concerns and his letters addressed to the churches (particularly “Laudato Si” have called for urgent action to protect the environment. He was conscious that climate change was a moral issue-rooted in the Catholic church’s teaching on creation, care, and stewardship- and affecting the poorest and most vulnerable. 

Relevance of His Papacy for the World

Pope Francis' impact extends beyond the confines of the Catholic Church.  The Pope was conscious of critical issues affecting humanity, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and migration. He came to view the environmental cause as encapsulating nearly all the other ills afflicting humanity in the 21st century: poverty, social and economic injustice, migration and what he called the "throwaway culture" - a melting pot of problems that he was convinced, could only be addressed holistically.

Pope Francis has also made strides in interfaith dialogue, fostering relationships with leaders of various religious traditions, including Islam, Judaism, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. His efforts to bridge divides and promote understanding have been crucial in a world often fraught with religious and cultural tensions.

The first visit of a Pope to the Arabian Peninsula and to Iraq; his dear friendship with Rabbi Abraham Skorka in Argentina and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayyeb; frequent visits to synagogues; condemnations of the Shoah and anti-Semitism; joint declarations with inter-faith leaders committing to peace, harmony, and opposing religious extremism are just a few instances that come to mind when thinking of the unforgettable moments of interreligious friendship and dialogue during his Papacy. 

His visit in February 2019 to the United Arab Emirates marked the first-ever visit of a Pope to the Arabian Peninsula. Pope Francis offered an image of the Church seeking to build bridges and deepen relations with other religions. During that visit the Pope signed the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,’ also known as the Abu Dhabi declaration with  the highest authority among Sunni Muslims.

Additionally, the Church itself began to introspect and change with Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy and compassion. He encouraged a more inclusive approach to pastoral care, advocating for the marginalized and those who feel alienated by traditional Church teachings. His focus on a Church that serves as a "field hospital" for those in need has resonated with hundreds bringing renewed vigor to the Church's mission of service.

How Asia Will Celebrate His Papacy

Asia, home to a diverse array of cultures and religions, holds a special place in Pope Francis' heart. His visits to countries such as the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand have underscored his commitment to engaging with the Asian Christian community and addressing its unique challenges.

The celebration of Pope Francis' papacy in Asia is multifaceted, reflecting the region's rich cultural tapestry. In the Philippines, where Catholicism is deeply rooted, his influence is palpable. The Filipino faithful will commemorate his papacy with large-scale masses, prayer vigils, and community outreach programs aimed at living out the values he espouses. His visit in 2015 left an impression, inspiring many of the clergy to act on social justice issues and environmental stewardship.

Pope Francis left an indelible mark on many nations across different continents. During his papacy he reached out to China and always said he was ready to visit that country, calling it a place he admired. Diplomatic ties Between the Vatican and China were severed in 1951, two years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In 2023 Pope Francis visited Mongolia and sent a message to Chinese Catholics urging them to be good citizens. Beijing has always resisted formal ties with the Holy See but early today the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson during a regular press conference offered condolences at the passing of Pope Francis. He went on to add: “in recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained constructive contact and engaged in positive exchanges.”  

In countries where Catholics are a minority, such as Japan and South Korea, celebrations might focus on interfaith dialogues and efforts to promote peace and understanding among different religious communities. Pope Francis' emphasis on tolerance and reconciliation can serve as a guiding principle for these initiatives.

Furthermore, his call for ecological responsibility resonates strongly in Asia, a region facing significant environmental challenges. Educational programs and community projects aimed at conserving nature and promoting sustainable practices will be part of the celebrations, aligning with the message of "Laudato Si'.

In India, the government announced a three- day state mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of Pope Francis. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India will lead the faithful in nine days of mourning and prayers. On the day of the funeral, on Saturday the faithful and devout will offer special prayers in all parishes and religious houses. All Catholic institutions will remain closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect and solidarity. 

Pope Francis' papacy has left an indelible mark on the world, characterized by a profound commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. His influence is palpable globally, inspiring change and fostering hope in diverse communities. As Asia prepares to celebrate his papacy, the region will undoubtedly reflect the values he champions, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive world.

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Esther Kar is a senior public management executive. She retired as DG Press Information Bureau and is currently consulting advisor on media and communications.