He was a man of peace
Grigory Yavlinsky’s web-site, 21.04.2025
Pope Francis has passed away.
To die during Holy Week is to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Such a death at such a time may signify eternal life.
The spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics since March 2013, Francis was the first Pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold this position.
He became a powerful voice for peace, reason, and conscience during years when humanity seemed to be drowning in cruelty, cynicism, and foolishness.
In his address to the UN General Assembly in 2015, he condemned an economy “guided solely by the pursuit of wealth and power”.
His dedication to addressing poverty and human suffering, along with his understanding of the moral dimensions of climate change, earned him enormous respect from people worldwide, not just Catholics.
He became a powerful voice for peace, reason, and conscience during years when humanity seemed to be drowning in cruelty, cynicism, and foolishness.
In his address to the UN General Assembly in 2015, he condemned an economy “guided solely by the pursuit of wealth and power.”
His dedication to addressing poverty and human suffering, along with his understanding of the moral dimensions of climate change, earned him enormous respect from people worldwide, not just Catholics.
In his final Urbi et Orbi message, he spoke about peace and the urgent need to stop the destruction of human lives. These were the words of a true Shepherd — a man who understood his ministry as an expression of love for God, mercy toward every person, and refusal to submit to “the truth of this age”.
Francis will be remembered in the history not only of the Catholic Church, but of all humanity.
In November 2022, when the conflict in Ukraine reached a critical point and prospects for a ceasefire emerged, I sent Pope Francis a note — a message through the Vatican Embassy in Moscow. At that moment, a window of opportunity opened to end the loss of lives. I believed that the intervention of a neutral yet authoritative figure could help stop the bloodshed, saving lives and our future. The Pope accepted this message and did not stand aside. He launched a series of initiatives, and his voice was subsequently supported by leaders of several countries.
He was a man of peace.
The death of Pope Francis on the first day of Easter is both symbolic and profound.
Let his memory be eternal.
Posted: April 22nd, 2025 under Condolences.