Volt expresses its condolences on the passing of Pope Francis.

Staying true to the literal Latin meaning of pontiff — bridge-builder — Pope Francis dedicated his leadership to interfaith dialogue and engaging the outcast. He was the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula, and his efforts to foster mutual understanding between Catholicism, Islam, and other religious traditions helped bridge historic divides. He also moved towards a more inclusive pastoral approach, extending compassion and consideration to groups historically marginalised within the Church, namely LGBTQ+ and divorced couples. While these shifts were measured, they opened the door to further reflection and reform.

Throughout his pontificate, he engaged with some of the most pressing issues of our time — from environmental degradation to social inequality. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ framed climate action as a moral imperative, inspiring believers and non-believers alike to consider our shared duty to protect the planet.

A few days after Russia invaded Ukraine, he visited the Russian embassy in person — rather than receiving the ambassador — in an unprecedented act in papal history. He criticised the war in Gaza, recognising the suffering of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, calling for the release of hostages and for peace. At the heart of his approach was a belief in human dignity and the pursuit of peace through dialogue.

We honour Pope Francis by acknowledging his moral leadership and the unique legacy he leaves behind. We hope that the spirit of openness, solidarity, and bridge-building that marked his time as Pope will continue to inspire those across faiths and communities.

Image source: USA Today