Honoring Pope Francis ~ 1936-2025

We join with people of faith and good will around the world in honoring the life and ministry of Pope Francis. No matter our spiritual tradition or station in life, Pope Francis' work for the poor and oppressed, his strong stance for the dignity and rights of migrants and immigrants, his leadership in responding to climate change and care of creation, his bridge-building between different faiths, and his relentless call for active nonviolence and end to war have been gifts to the whole human family and will continue to inspire us all.

Here are some links to tributes to Pope Francis we have gathered from diverse faith traditions -- just a few among many! 

Unitarian Universalist Association President: Pope Francis' "moral clarity and justice-centered ministry, including his work elevating climate justice and highlighting the dignity and humanity of migrant families, were significant to all people of goodwill."

CAIR National Executive Director: "The American Muslim community and many Muslims around the world appreciated Pope Francis' emphasis on the compassionate treatment of migrants and others facing crisis, his efforts to uphold the traditional values of his faith while maintaining a respectful tone, and his consistent condemnation of war crimes around the world, including in Gaza."

International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultation Chair: "His efforts to build bridges among faiths has been invaluable... Pope Francis' call for environmental stewardship ... [reinforced] the moral imperative to protect our planet for future generations ... His condemnation of antisemitism during his final public appearance resonated deeply with our community. ... We celebrate the legacy he leaves behind -- a legacy of hope, empathy and a vision for a more inclusive world."

Pax Christi International (Roman Catholic): Pope Francis was a steadfast defender of the Gospel values - particularly mercy, peace and nonviolence. ... Francis embodied a revolutionary spirit, urging a nonviolent revolution that prioritizes the well-being of all, especially the most rejected, excluded and under attack... He proclaimed, 'Faced with too much violence spreading throughout the world, we are called to a greater nonviolence, which does not mean passivity, but active promotion of the good.' This greater nonviolence... involves rejecting the temptation of violence, responding to evil with good (Romans 12:17-21), breaking the spiral of nonviolence, and creating potential for reconciliation."

Pacifica Institute: "We honor Pope Francis - a light of compassion, humility and peace. May his legacy inspire us to walk in love and serve in grace."

Fr. John Baumann, founder of Faith in Action: "The Pope taught us to be protagonists in the creation of a better, more humane future where everyone is loved and respected as a child of God."