On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis entered his eternal home. One year later, during his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV consciously used this anniversary as an occasion to honor his predecessor's legacy. During the flight to Equatorial Guinea, the new Pope recalled the deep marks Francis left on the Church and the world. This act of remembrance is more than a formal duty; it is an expression of continuity and gratitude for a man whose pontificate was marked by a special spirit.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that Francis gifted the Church with invaluable treasures through his entire life, his personal witness, his words, and his actions. He particularly highlighted the lived closeness to people on the margins of society. This option for the poor, the sick, children, and the elderly was not a program but an attitude that grew from the heart of the Gospel. "He gave us the example of his life and his preaching," said Leo XIV, thereby setting a standard that remains valid today.
The Heart of the Legacy: The Message of Mercy
Central to Pope Francis' work was the proclamation of divine mercy. Pope Leo XIV referred especially to this core concern in his words of remembrance. Francis, he said, reawakened in the whole Church an awareness of the message of God's immeasurable love, His forgiving kindness, and His merciful attention. A high point of this proclamation was the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy 2015/2016, the effects of which continue to this day.
This theme finds its deepest biblical grounding. The Evangelist Luke records Jesus saying: "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36; ESV). And in the letter to the Ephesians it says: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5a; ESV). The legacy of Francis calls every believer not only to receive this merciful love of God but also to pass it on.
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36; ESV)
Fraternity and Respect as a Lived Consequence
From the experienced mercy of God grows a new attitude among people. Pope Leo XIV valued that Francis always wanted to promote authentic respect for every man and woman. This respect is the foundation for a spirit of fraternity, deeply rooted in the Gospel. It is about recognizing the inalienable dignity of every person, regardless of origin, status, or faith.
This vision of a fraternal world is in harmony with apostolic witness. The Apostle Peter writes: "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (1 Peter 3:8; ESV). The Church is called to live out this space of fraternity in advance and to carry it into society. The pontificate of Francis was a powerful impulse in this direction.
The Journey in Africa: The Church in Service to People
The words commemorating Francis were spoken during Pope Leo XIV's apostolic journey to Africa. The subsequent conversations with journalists about his visit to Angola showed how the fundamental concerns of his predecessor continue to influence current pastoral work. The questions touched on the Church's practical engagement in the world.
Regarding cooperation between Church and State, Pope Leo emphasized that both can and should work together for the good of people, while preserving their respective, distinct roles and competencies. The Church brings its moral witness and its commitment to human dignity, especially for the most vulnerable. The State, for its part, has the responsibility to create just structures and promote the common good. This clear yet collaborative distinction is essential for authentic service to humanity.
The visit to Africa thus underscores the continuity in mission: a Church that, following the example of Francis and now guided by Leo XIV, seeks to be close, to serve, and to proclaim God's mercy in all corners of the world, especially where suffering and hope meet.
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