Pope Francis  A Profound Loss: Kerala CM Pays Tribute to a Global Spiritual Leader
Thiruvananthapuram saw a poignant reflection on world leadership and empathy as Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered heartfelt condolences on the death of Pope Francis. In a message that was filled with warmth and profound respect, Vijayan recalled the Pope Francis as a symbol of hope for the oppressed and a fearless voice for justice and equality. The death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, signals the end of an era of change in the history of the Catholic Church. A humble but determined reformer, he was the first Latin American pontiff and a barrier-breaking leader with his compassion and concern for humanity’s most vulnerable.
Terming him a firm champion of the poor and marginalized, Vijayan highlighted the Pope’s lasting legacy of compassion. His life and papacy, the CM said, represented an unrelenting dedication to raise the voices that the world so frequently ignores. With acts of simplicity and words that defied global systems, Pope Francis made it unmistakably clear that his mission extended far beyond ecclesiastical traditions—it was based on action for social change.
A Legacy Based on Compassion and Social Justice
In his emotional message, CM Vijayan reminisced on the revolutionary values Pope Francis instilled in his tenure as head of the Catholic Church. As per him, the Pope’s legacy will be remembered for its unmatched compassion, focus on inclusivity, and unflinching commitment to social justice. These values were not mere abstract principles for the pontiff—these were embedded in his every move, utterance, and initiative during his time in office.
Right from the beginning of his papacy, Francis established that he would aim to draw the Church’s focus on caring for those on the margins of society. His upbringings and ministries in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s poorer neighborhoods, greatly influenced his perspective of the world. The Pope consistently lamented so-called “the globalisation of indifference,” calling upon society to exchange indifference for acts of practical love and solidarity. For CM Vijayan, this struck a chord with the larger mission of a fair and equitable world.
 Championing the Rights of the Forgotten
One of the hallmark themes of Pope Francis’s papacy was his tireless dedication to the marginalized of society—the poor, the homeless, the refugees, and the socially excluded. CM Vijayan singled out especially for admiration this intimate bond the Pope had with such people, which he described as spiritual and revolutionary. The Pope did not only talk about compassion—he practiced it, often washing the feet of prisoners, traveling to refugee camps, and opening Vatican shelters for the homeless.
The Chief Minister pointed out how Pope Francis made sure that the resources and focus of the Church were aimed at supporting those “discarded” by a profit-making world. This, said Vijayan, was one of the most sincere portrayals of the Pope’s leadership—making the Church a refuge of compassion. Even while speaking, Pope Francis always brought to center stage the economic and systemic reasons that keep people unequal, compelling the world to face uncomfortable realities about injustice.
A Pope Who Lived with the Times: Being Pro-LGBTQIA Rights
Another crucial element of Pope Francis’s papacy, as CM Vijayan pointed out, was his changing attitude towards LGBTQIA rights—a topic that has long witnessed controversy in religious circles. Pope Francis, throughout the years, adopted a more tolerant and empathetic stance, marking a fundamental change of tone and temperament in the Church. One of his best-quoted sentiments, “Everyone has dignity,” was in reaction to questions relating to sexual orientation, bringing relief and hope to millions who for so long felt excluded.
Vijayan noted that this message had enormous significance, particularly for those who had felt spiritually excluded because of their identity. The Pope’s gesture was not symbolic; it was part of his larger vision for a Church that is inclusive, one that welcomes and not judges. His pastoral style attempted to substitute exclusion with compassion, and his changing rhetoric indicated an institution gradually turning toward accepting diversity.
 A Voice for the Voiceless: His Stand on Palestine and Global Conflicts
Kerala CM also remembered Pope Francis’s strong and unstinting support of the rights of Palestinians and his attempts to usher in peace in conflict zones. The Pope spoke time and again about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, demanding justice, compassion, and a just settlement of long-standing animosity. His support for the people of Palestine was not limited to official statements—it went as far as sincere prayers and pleas for international awareness.
The Pope’s international clout, says Vijayan, was exercised with caution and intent. Whether discussing war, occupation, or displacement, Pope Francis never took the side of inhumanity. His moral compass always pointed to peaceful coexistence, and he called world leaders to account in his gentle but firm words. The Pope regarded peace not as a political option but a spiritual imperative—one that demanded humility, compromise, and understanding.
 Embracing Interfaith Dialogue: Building Bridges, Not Walls
Pope Francis’s faith in the power of transformation through dialogue was among the pillars of his papacy. CM Vijayan highlighted the manner in which the Pope advocated for interfaith collaboration, understanding that convergence among religions was necessary to addressing issues on the international stage. From sitting with Islamic heads in the UAE to landmark visits to Iraq and interactions with leaders from Judaism and Buddhism, the Pope exhibited his dedication to peace through dialogue.
The CM pointed out that these interfaith dialogues were not diplomatic niceties—they were genuine efforts to bridge the gaps in a polarized world. Pope Francis perceived in each religion a possible partner in the struggle against injustice and violence. His belief that common human values could overcome theological differences became a beacon for peacemakers everywhere. By promoting mutual respect between religious communities, he set a deep example of living together.
 Unrelenting Critic of Global Capitalism and Environmental Abuse
A hallmark of Pope Francis’s leadership was his scathing critique of capitalism and desecration of the environment. CM Vijayan emphasized how bold the Pope had been in attacking world economic systems that deny equal opportunities. In a series of speeches and papal encyclicals, the Pope contended that capitalism, left to itself, generates “an economy of exclusion,” an economy that “kills.” These strong words were not metaphors—word was made flesh in the grim reality lived by millions.
Pope Francis championed the idea that the economy must serve people—not the other way around. He urged world leaders to adopt more compassionate economic policies that prioritize human welfare over profit. His encyclical *Laudato Si’*, which focused on environmental stewardship, criticized the destruction of the planet for material gain. CM Vijayan hailed these efforts, observing that the Pope had supplied moral lucidity to concerns about climate change and economic fairness, forcing the world to review its priorities.A Beacon for the Future: An Enduring Legacy of Hope and JusticeAs CM Vijayan concluded his message, he repeated the lasting effect of Pope Francis’s leadership—not only on the Catholic Church but on the world itself. The papacy of the Pope, Vijayan asserted, would keep inspiring future generations to strive for peace, equality, and justice. Whether in his compassionate hug of the poor, his forward-thinking views on social matters, or his outspoken condemnation of international injustices, Pope Francis cut a singular and permanent niche in history.
The Chief Minister confirmed that this was not merely a moment of grief—it was a moment to continue the vision of the Pope. Pope Francis showed the world that empathy is strength, humility is power, and inclusion is the way forward. His moral leadership cut across religious lines, touching the hearts of people of all faiths and backgrounds. In his memory, CM Vijayan urged all to keep striving for a world characterized by compassion, dignity, and collective responsibility.
Join our What’s App channel!
