Laudato Si’ Movement’s global secretariat, thousands of members, affiliated organisations and friends celebrate the life of Pope Francis. From the start, Pope Francis followed the genesis and development of our movement, which was sparked by the publication of his encyclical Laudato Si’. We trust that as in this life he was embraced by the Heavenly Father’s tender love, he will now find rest and peace with our Savior.
Pope Francis transformed our understanding of our relationships with each other, creation and our Creator, and his legacy lives on (read more here about the impact of Pope Francis and how leaders react to his loss).
At the same time, Pope Francis had the gift of developing relationships. As a man, Francis was warm, funny, and keenly observant. We pray that from heaven he will continue to guide us and continue to fill us with his tender care for creation and each other. We at Laudato Si’ Movement are grateful to share a few personal stories of experiences with him.
Ridhima Pandey, Indian environmental activist and protagonist of The Letter, said:
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Pope Francis—a leader who inspired not only the faithful, but also those of us fighting for our planet. Through Laudato Si’ and The Letter, he gave a voice to the Earth, and to young people like me who are working to protect its future.
I had the profound honor of meeting him twice. Just this past October, I felt his warmth, his kindness, and saw the smile that could light up the world. I still remember his powerful words: ‘The Earth is crying… Stop! Stop!’
Though he may no longer be with us, his spirit, his blessings, and his message will forever remain alive. It is now up to us to carry his mission forward—with courage, compassion, and unwavering hope.”
Alice Snijders, Laudato Si’ Movement follower, Enschede / Netherlands
Pope Francis is my hero. With his groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, he gave me — and the world — a powerful instrument to reflect, speak out, and take action for the care of our Common Home: this beautiful and unique Earth, and all life that flourishes upon it.
For someone like me, who experienced the Conciliar Process for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation up close during the 1980s and 1990s, Laudato Si’ felt like a long-awaited affirmation — a celebration of recognition.
This encyclical lit a spark that ignited a global green movement both within and beyond the Church. From the international Laudato Si’ Movement, supported by the Vatican, to national alliances like the Laudato Si’ Alliance in the Netherlands — the momentum continues to grow.
Telmo, Laudato Si Animator, Santa Catarina, Brasil
With his profound love for Creation, Pope Francis rekindles in every person of goodwill the joy of contemplating life with grateful eyes. Through Integral Ecology, he reminds us that caring for our Common Home is an expression of faith, justice, and love for our neighbor.
Just as John XXIII brought a breath of fresh air to the Church by calling the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis, through the Laudato Si’ Encyclical, brings a new breath to the Planet – our Sister and Mother Earth.
His words stirred my own Baptism, reminding me of our calling to be prophets of joy and hope – to be the voice of the Earth that groans, and of the poor who cry out for more life.
Cheryl Dugan, LSM Staff
Pope Francis’ words during his 2015 visit to the Philippines, a year after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, left a deep mark on me and strengthened my commitment to caring for our common home. His powerful reminder—“Certain realities in life can only be seen through eyes cleansed by tears,”—spoke to the grief and loss I had witnessed. Those words stayed with me, eventually leading me to the Laudato Si’ Movement, where I found a way to turn sorrow into action—working alongside others to protect our common home and to stand with those most affected by the climate crisis.
Leonor Freitas, Laudato Si’ Animator, National Chapter of Angola
Pope Francis is, without a doubt, the Pope of my time, inspiring me through his actions, his mission, and his empathy for humanity.
Integral Ecology, the central concept of the Laudato Si’ Encyclical—which I consider one of the most read and discussed encyclicals to date—has deeply impacted people’s lives, especially the poor and the marginalized. It emphasizes the interconnection between social and environmental issues.
Pope Francis’ leadership has inspired me to motivate others. Since the release of Laudato Si’, I’ve found in the Church a concrete way to bring to life my aspirations around integral ecology. As a Christian and guardian of our Common Home, I have been acting in response to this calling.
Heavenly Father, we ask for your grace for Pope Francis as he embarks on his journey into eternal life. Please bless him with peace and rest. We also pray for all those who were touched by his generous heart, from his sister and niece to his Jesuit brothers to the prisoners whose feet he washed and the migrants with whom he broke bread. May all find hope in your promise of life everlasting. Amen.