Pope Francis’ Legacy in Every Breath

By Herman M. Lagon

In Rome, Pope Francis—loved for his gentle heart and bubbly smile—is fighting a serious health battle as of this writing. Prayers flood in, and the world reflects not only on his frailty but also on the legacy he leaves behind—one that transformed the Catholic Church’s position in an evolving environment. His commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and lasting peace has redefined how faith speaks to humanity’s hope for compassion.

Inspired by one of the most venerated Christian figures, St. Francis of Assisi, Argentinian football enthusiast Jorge Mario Bergoglio broke tradition as the first Jesuit pope. He is also the first vicar from the Americas and the first to take the name Francis. His commitment to justice, inclusivity, and peace has redefined how faith speaks to humanity’s hope for compassion. Under his direction, the Church moved toward the neglected—those living on the margins—that society forgot. His message resonated with many Filipinos in a nation where structural poverty still exists, but faith is strong.

The world celebrates his turning of faith into action as his health deteriorates. With his straightforward yet innovative words, “Who am I to judge?” he expressed sympathy for those long excluded—particularly the impoverished, LGBTQ+ groups, and the persecuted. He started speaking for people the Church had usually ignored.

Environmental justice was also at the heart of his mission. His encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ called climate change a moral crisis, urging the world to protect the planet’s most vulnerable—an issue we know too well. His plea was not just spiritual but a call for collective responsibility.

With his chemistry, diplomacy, and linguistics background, Pope Francis bridged faith and science at a time when misinformation spread rapidly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He proved that spirituality and reason can work together in the pursuit of truth.

The Pontiff’s leadership was defined by service, not privilege. From washing prisoners’ feet to confronting corruption, Pope Francis showed a rare kind of leadership that genuinely serves the people.

Even as his health declines, his openness about his condition reflects his deep respect for those praying for him. This openness mirrors “pakikipagkapwa”—the Filipino value of shared humanity and empathy—at the heart of his message.

His current struggle also invites reflection on legacies cut short. Much like the EDSA People Power Revolution showed that peaceful leadership could bring about real change, Pope Francis’s mission has been to restore relevance to a Church many saw as distant from modern realities. His focus on compassion over condemnation, action over silence, and inclusion over division will remain his most profound contribution.

As the Vatican confirms that his condition remains “critical,” prayers offered for the beloved Jesuit Pope are more than wishes for healing—they are expressions of gratitude for a life dedicated to service. His papacy reminds the world that leadership does not need to be loud to be powerful. True leadership stands with the marginalized and uplifts the voiceless.

Whether Pope Francis recovers or not, his legacy is already secure. He will be remembered not for grand gestures or doctrinal changes, but for how he brought humanity back to the heart of the Church. For millions around the world, from the slums of Buenos Aires to the communities of the Philippines, he will forever be the pope who chose love over judgment and hope over fear. His message endures: true faith is not about holding power but serving others with courage, compassion, and unwavering kindness.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.