RIP Pope Francis: His 10 most moving and insightful quotes

Pope Francis has died. After suffering from poor health in recent months, the revered 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church passed earlier today. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, of the Vatican confirmed the news earlier, saying: “At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.”

Francis, who had long suffered from chronic lung disease, had been recently hospitalized with double pneumonia and spent 38 days in hospital, eventually being discharged on Mar. 23. He made his last public appearance on Apr. 20, speaking briefly to those gathered in St. Peter’s for Easter mass.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025

His papacy was marked by humility, kindness, tolerance, and a willingness to extend God’s love to all, regardless of the faith they identify with. This widened both his appeal and that of the Catholic Church, marking him as a truly transformational leader. To that end, let’s revisit his most moving quotes, many of which deserve to go down in history as some of the most incisive things said in the name of his church.

1. “It is not enough to say we are Christians. We must live the faith, not only with our words, but with our actions.”

This should speak pointedly to many Christians in America, who profess themselves to be faithful and committed Christians while acting in a way that Christ would have found abhorrent.

2. “To change the world we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”

This should be a fundamental pillar of all Christians, though is starkly opposite to the actions of many who loudly profess themselves to be completely devoted to Christ.

3. “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.”

In what’s a sharp rebuke from a Christian leader to Christians who merely attend church, Francis underlines that prayer is only words, and to do good, you must make that good happen in the world.

4. “Human dignity is the same for all human beings: when I trample on the dignity of another, I am trampling on my own.”

Universal human rights were another core belief of Francis, who traveled the world attempting to provide this wisdom to politicians who’d seek to discriminate against people on the basis of race, class, nationality, and gender.

5. “In the poor and outcast we see Christ’s face; by loving and helping the poor, we love and serve Christ.”

This is almost paraphrased from Christ himself, and should be at the core of every Christian’s beliefs. Sadly, judging by the actions of many, the reality suggests otherwise.

6. “Take care of brothers and sisters who are weaker … the elderly, the sick, the hungry, the homeless and strangers, because we will be judged on this.”

In the same vein as before, Francis underlined that when your soul is being judged kindness and charity towards others are a critical part of entering heaven.

7. “I believe in God – not in a Catholic God; there is no Catholic God.”

One of Francis’ most admirable traits was acceptance, communication, and harmony with all strands of Christianity, underlining that despite the many doctrinal and theological differences, all Christians worship the same deity.

8. “We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity. Being homosexual is not a crime. It is not a crime.”

This is a truly radical thing for the Pope to say, and though he quickly couched his words by saying that homosexuality “is a sin”, he underlined that he “was simply referring to Catholic moral teaching, which says that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin” and went on to say “And I would tell whoever wants to criminalize homosexuality that they are wrong.” That’s about as good as you’re going to get from a Pope!

9. “Negativity is contagious but so is positivity; desperation is contagious but so is joy: do not follow negative people but continue to radiate light and hope around you! And know that hope doesn’t disappoint, it never deludes!”

Delivered as comments intended for young people, this is perhaps a warning against immersing yourself in a negative online world, as enough time spent listening to angry, resentful people turns you into an angry, resentful person.

10. “The secret to a good life is found in loving and giving oneself for love’s sake.”

And that about sums it up. Whatever faith you follow (or don’t follow), everyone would be happier taking these words to heart.

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