Letters | 3 defining actions to remember Pope Francis by

Readers discuss the legacy of Pope Francis, and a lesson to take away from his last hours

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Pope Francis kisses the feet of an inmate in the female section of the Rebibbia prison during a Holy Thursday ritual in Rome, Italy on March 28, 2024. Photo: Vatican Media/Reuters

Published: 11:30am, 4 May 2025

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Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential popes in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. I wish to reflect upon three defining events during his pontificate that may not be known to many.

To begin with, Francis was the first pope to wash the feet of prisoners on Maundy Thursday for most of his 12-year pontificate. Prisoners often have to carry the stigma of their criminal record for the rest of their lives, even after they are released. While it is easy to preach about love and mercy, Francis followed Christ’s example in his act of humility and included prisoners who were not Christian. Francis taught us to humble ourselves, instead of judging others.

The pope was also known for his commitment to building bridges. This particularly resonates with Hong Kong Catholics as the local diocese often styles itself as a bridge between mainland China and the Holy See. As he concluded mass during his visit to Mongolia in 2023, Francis suddenly invited Cardinal John Tong and Bishop Stephen Chow from Hong Kong onto the stage and held their hands as a symbol of unity. This sent a powerful message to the Chinese people.

Following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, the Holy Land was once again engulfed by the flames of war. Every evening, for 18 months of war until two days before he died, Francis phoned the congregation of Gaza’s Holy Family Church, even when he was hospitalised. It was neither a token gesture nor a publicity stunt as details of these calls were only revealed a couple of months before Francis’ death.

There is no doubt that the parishioners there were living in dire conditions as risk of famine loomed. Francis’ calls were a daily reminder that they were not forgotten. Christians are among the most persecuted minority in the Middle East amid growing sectarian conflict, yet their suffering is rarely seen in the mainstream media. Even in his final days, Francis stood by the oppressed and the weak with compassion, which to a large extent defined his pontificate.

Francis’ death marks an interregnum as the Catholic Church once again reflects upon its mission to the world. The church must remain steadfast in upholding the truth, and live up to the themes of the two Jubilee years during Francis’ pontificate: Misericordes Sicut Pater (“Merciful like the Father) and Peregrinantes in Spem (“Pilgrims of hope”).

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