“Education is not about knowing things or taking lessons but about being able to use three lingos: those of the head, the heart, and the hands… learning so that you can think about what you feel and do, can feel what you think and do, and can do what you feel and think. Unity within a person.” —Pope Francis
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025—Easter Monday—at 88. He was the first Latin American pope and a powerful voice for compassion, inclusion, and reform. Pope Francis leaves a legacy of hope and transformation after 12 years of service to the Catholic Church, Catholics, and so many others who were fortunate enough to be touched by his words and actions worldwide.
A dedicated Catholic, Pope Francis strongly supported the Church’s need to grow and evolve. He believed that “The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.” Hope was of importance to him, and he never stopped believing that goodness and positivity was waiting for us to embrace: “Let us be lights of hope! Let us maintain a positive outlook on reality.”
He was the first to take the name Francis, in honor of Francis of Assisi, the Italian saint known for his love of nature and the poor. Pope Francis was humble; he opted to stay in the simple apartments at Casa Santa Marta instead of moving into the Papal apartments at the Vatican, for example. And at the center of his messaging were the poor and the marginalized: “Openness to God makes us open towards the marginalized of this world, and gives us the courage to leave the confines of our own security and comfort to become bruised, hurting and dirty as we joyfully approach the suffering other in a spirit of solidarity.” In addition to redefining the role of the Church on the importance of social justice, his views on the environment and of our responsibility as stewards to protect it were also of significance: “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil, and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling.”
Pope Francis consistently emphasized the irreplaceable role of parents as the primary educators of their children. He reminded us that “children are the most precious gift you have received,” urging parents to approach their educational mission with commitment and generosity . In his address to the Italian Parents Association, he highlighted the importance of collaboration between families and schools, stating that “communication and collaboration… must never be lacking” to build a strong educational community . (Pope Francis “Dear parents, children are the most precious gift you have received.” to Families FULL TEXT, Pope to Parents: Work together with schools – Vatican News)
As we honor Pope Francis’ legacy, let us renew our commitment to the educational mission he so passionately supported. May we continue to work together—parents, educators, and communities—to create environments where children can grow in faith, wisdom, and love. In doing so, we fulfill our shared calling to raise a generation that reflects the light and hope of Christ in the world. (Pope to Parents: Work together with schools – Vatican News)
As we remember and give thanks for the life of Pope Francis, may we follow in his example to advocate for issues like poverty and environmental protection, engage with people of different faiths and perspectives, reject discriminatory language, and foster a spirit of reconciliation within our country.
Let us pray for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and for the strength and guidance to carry forward his vision for Catholic education. May his example inspire us to live lives of service, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
