From the Editor’s Desk

Feb 28, 2025

By Patricia Pereira
As I write this, Pope Francis remains in the hospital. His condition has drawn the attention of the world, and like millions of Catholics, I join in fervent prayer for his swift and complete recovery, trusting in God’s providence for his healing.

I have long admired Pope Francis for his transformative papacy, which has not only reshaped the Church but also touched the lives of countless people around the globe. His consistent and tireless efforts to elevate women within the Church’s mission have been particularly inspiring. The pontiff has not only recognised the invaluable role of women but has actively taken bold steps to ensure they are given a more visible and impactful place in the Church. His approach has empowered so many of us, showing that the voice, insights, and leadership of women are not only needed but essential in the life of the Church.

Yet, Pope Francis’ influence reaches far beyond advocating for gender equality. He has boldly addressed numerous critical issues that affect both the Church and the world at large. His focus on the environment, exemplified in his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, serves as a resounding call to action. This encyclical reverberates not only through the corridors of power but also within the hearts of everyday people. Through it, Pope Francis has reminded us of our sacred duty as stewards of God’s creation, urging us to protect the Earth for the sake of future generations. At a time when the environment faces unprecedented challenges, Pope Francis has been a steadfast voice for sustainability and ecological justice.

His concern for the well-being of all people, particularly the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable, lies at the very core of his ministry. His impassioned plea to see the face of Christ in the poorest of the poor has inspired countless acts of charity and social justice worldwide. Pope Francis has never shied away from confronting difficult social issues, even when it has meant speaking truth to power. His commitment to peace, his compassionate stance on refugees and migrants, and his advocacy for the oppressed have made him a moral compass in a world increasingly marked by division, inequality, and indifference.

Pope Francis has also emphasised the importance of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. In a world too often divided by religious differences, he has worked tirelessly to build bridges, fostering understanding and cooperation between faiths. His outreach to other Christian denominations, as well as leaders of other world religions, has been a living testament to his belief in the power of unity and mutual respect. He has shown us that dialogue, rather than division, is the true path to peace, reconciliation, and healing.

One of Pope Francis’ most lasting legacies will undoubtedly be his insightful encyclicals. These documents have guided not only Catholics but people of goodwill across the globe. His writings on love, the environment, and social justice remind us that the Church’s mission extends far beyond its walls — it reaches into the very heart of society. Through his words, Pope Francis calls the world to reflect on issues of deep significance —issues that affect our shared humanity, such as poverty, inequality, human dignity, and the need for solidarity.

The Holy Father has also been a courageous voice urging world leaders to take meaningful action on these critical issues. His steadfast commitment to peace, justice, and the care of creation has often placed him in direct opposition to the status quo. Yet, rather than shrinking from controversy, Pope Francis has used his position to challenge those in power to act for the common good. His calls for a global economy that serves all people— not just the privileged few — and his demand for an end to the arms race are but a few examples of his tireless advocacy for a just, peaceful, and compassionate world.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded of the Pope’s powerful words: hope is not merely an emotion but a call to action. It is a call to trust in God’s providence, to seek justice, and to care for the most vulnerable among us. As we reflect on the remarkable achievements of Pope Francis’ papacy in this special year, we cannot help but feel there is still so much more he can accomplish. The world so desperately needs the peace, love, and justice he so fervently advocates. As we continue to pray for his health, we also pray for his continued leadership, and for the strength and wisdom needed to meet the challenges ahead. May God grant him many more years to continue this transformative journey, guiding us all toward a more just and compassionate world.