Last Monday morning, we woke to the news that Pope Francis died, just the day after appearing for Easter Sunday, greeting the crowds at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square. While sorrowful, we are also grateful for his life and leadership.
A staunch defender of the rights and dignity of migrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking, Pope Francis reminded us of our call to build a just and compassionate society. As he noted in his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium, he wanted “a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” He inspires our support of those work every day in local communities.
Pope Francis leaves a legacy that includes a landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, that urges action on climate change and environmental degradation. He clearly saw how the climate crisis perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Pope Francis spoke boldly against economic systems that exclude and discard human life, calling for an inclusive economy where all might participate and thrive. At the Erica P. John Fund, we are grateful for and inspired by Pope Francis’ leadership over the last dozen years.
It has been a joy that we have had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis on several occasions. Our founder, Erica P. John, said:
As a foundation, we have long drawn strength from Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to social justice. Pope Francis often called us to resist indifference and to choose solidarity, hospitality, and justice. His witness strengthen us in times of difficulty. Pope Francis believed deeply in a Church that walks with the poor; a Church that “serves as a field hospital for the wounded.” His legacy calls us to recommit ourselves to that vision—with renewed courage, compassion, and resolve.
Erica P. John Fund 
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