“Pope Francis was a voice of mercy in a time of noise. He walked with humility, spoke with fire and dared to love the unloved. He reminded the world that compassion isn’t weakness, and faith doesn’t have to shout to be heard. May he rest in the eternal peace he so often preached.”
This quote is attributed to Bob Dylan. He has not said whether it is or is not his.
Other Quotes of Remembrance —
Gabe Khuly, 18
Miami
“Pope Francis helped bring me back to the Church. For years, I was a lost sheep, in need of direction, and his openness, kindness, and humility made me feel comfortable in returning to Catholicism. He represented the warmth that we, as Christians and as Catholics, are called on to show to others as followers of Christ. He lived up to the title of Servus servorum Dei, Servant of the Servants of God.”
Chrissy Gulseth, 22
Omaha
“I remember his first Holy Thursday Mass when he washed the feet of prisoners after generations of popes washing only the feet of cardinals and elites. His moral clarity, and the ease with which he lived his values, is inspiring to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
Eduardo Barbosa, 21
Porto Alegre, Brazil
“As an outspoken nonbeliever, I can say full of certainty that Pope Francis represents the best aspects of the Christian faith. A simple man, friend of the poor and of the oppressed, enemy to none but to the ignorant and the hypocritical.”
Vittorio De Santis, 54
Rimini, Italy
“Pope Francis personally represented the last true point of reference. For those who believe that migrants are simply people searching for a better life. Not just numbers, not just problems. He has always opposed nationalism, those who build barriers, those who deny the climate crisis. In an era of wars and walls, we will miss a sincere and authoritative voice. No prejudice. Not against the divorced, nor against gay people. He was the first to make — even if limited — openings toward the role of women in the Church.”
Larry Haas, 68
Waunakee, Wisconsin
“In my opinion, Pope Francis was the most like Jesus I have ever seen.”
Shaheena Karbanee, 48
Harare, Zimbabwe
“I am a Muslim who loved Pope Francis. His faith and the way he tried his best to bridge between people, their realities and doctrine gave me hope.”
Chuck Abadie, 72
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
“My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Pope Francis during one of his Wednesday morning sessions. It was one wheelchair patron meeting another. We shook hands and conversed for a few moments. … As Catholics, [we feel] he was the greatest person we have ever met, and we called it our little miracle. It’s a day we will never forget.”
Sylvia Costelloe, 35
Beverly Hills, California
“I traveled to Rome in January 2014 and attended Pope Francis’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square with my mother. As he was walking past the faithful at the end of the audience, I reached out and hugged him. He hugged me right back. What struck me the most about Pope Francis was the joy I saw in his face. He gave me the biggest smile! I felt like I was hugging an old friend. Pope Francis embodied joy, love and compassion for me.”
Quotes from the Washington Post April 26, 2025
What do YOU remember most about Pope Francis?
LIVE IN SUCH A MANNER THAT YOU ARE LIVING PROOF OF A LOVING GOD!
Please pray for the cardinals who are gathered in Conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
Please share these quotes with a young friend of yours.
