Global Tributes Honor Legacy of Pope Francis

The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection from Catholic communities and leaders worldwide, highlighting his legacy as a champion of mercy, inclusion, and advocacy for marginalized groups. In Anambra State, Nigeria, political and religious figures commemorated his transformative papacy and his role in inspiring a new generation within the Church. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in Australia expressed both mourning and a call for continued truth and healing, recognizing Pope Francis' efforts to elevate Indigenous perspectives while noting unresolved historical injustices. In the United States, Hispanic Catholics in Kenosha remembered him as a relatable and hopeful leader, particularly as the first Latin American pope. African theologians described him as a 'post-colonial pope' who prioritized compassion, reform, and attention to those on society’s peripheries. Liberian President Joseph Boakai praised the late pontiff’s humility, advocacy for peace and justice, and enduring influence on global efforts toward compassion and unity.