“Messenger of hope,” UN Secretary-General mourns Pope Francis

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep sorrow over the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday in the Vatican City at the age of 88.

The pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the first Pope from the Americas when he was elected in March 2013, and he was known for his strong advocacy for social justice and his commitment to peace.

Guterres described Pope Francis as a “messenger of hope, humility, and humanity.” He emphasized the Pope’s pivotal role as a global voice for peace and human dignity, noting that he leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, service, and compassion, particularly for those marginalized by society or caught in the ravages of conflict.

“Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity, and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and compassion for all — especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict,” said Guterres.

The Secretary-General also highlighted the Pope’s role in advancing the ideals of the United Nations, pointing to his historic visit to UN Headquarters in 2015, where he spoke of the need for a “united human family.” Guterres emphasized that Pope Francis’s vision for global cooperation was instrumental in shaping the UN’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.

Guterres recalled the Pope’s significant contribution to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, citing his second Encyclical, Laudato Si’, as a major force behind the global push for climate action. The Pope’s call for moral responsibility in protecting the environment resonated deeply with the UN’s commitment to tackling global challenges.

“Pope Francis once said: ‘The future of humankind isn’t exclusively in the hands of politicians, of great leaders, of big companies… it is, most of all, in the hands of those people who recognize the other as a ‘you’ and themselves as part of an ‘us,’” Guterres said, urging global unity and mutual understanding.

Reflecting on the Pope’s support for the UN’s work, Guterres noted Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to addressing global inequalities. The Pope’s advocacy extended to the UN’s humanitarian efforts, particularly with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

In his most recent engagement, the Pope voiced concern over the political tensions and potential for conflict in South Sudan, expressing support for the UN’s efforts to prevent a return to civil war in the country.

Guterres called for continued global action to protect the environment, end suffering, and ensure the common good. He emphasized that while the international system can be improved, the UN remains essential in securing a better future for generations to come.

“Pope Francis’s example of unity and mutual understanding serves as a beacon for a better world,” Guterres concluded.