On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, who departed this life peacefully at the age of eighty-eight. The Tzu Chi Foundation extends its sincere condolences and deepest respect to the Pope and the global Catholic community. His life was a testament to compassion, peace, and justice, and his legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.

Pope Francis was known for his humble approach and dedication to serving the marginalized. His commitment to the poor and his advocacy for social justice resonated deeply with many, transcending religious boundaries. He often emphasized the importance of caring for our planet and the vulnerable, aligning closely with the values upheld by Tzu Chi.

In his final Easter message, Pope Francis expressed a profound vision for humanity:

"On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God! There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others."

The relationship between Tzu Chi and the Vatican has been marked by meaningful collaboration over the years. In 2013, following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Tzu Chi took part in providing relief and rebuilding efforts. The Pope's visit to Tacloban City, a region severely affected by the typhoon, highlighted the shared commitments and values across faiths in times of crisis. During this visit, he met with Tzu Chi volunteers, acknowledging their efforts in aiding those in need.

In September 2015, Tzu Chi representatives had the honor of meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican, where they discussed interfaith cooperation and humanitarian efforts. This meeting was a significant moment, as it underscored the shared commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting peace. Tzu Chi's dedication to environmental protection and humanitarian care aligns with the Pope's teachings, particularly his encyclical "Laudato Si'" (on care for our common home), which calls for a collective response to the ecological crisis.

In 2016, when a strong earthquake severely impacted Ecuador, it also left the La Parroquia San Andrés in Canoa damaged. As a center of faith that impacts the morale of the community, Tzu Chi decided to help reconstruct the church as well as the residences for the priests and nuns. The next year, 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in the United States, nuns and parishioners from La Parroquia San Andrés in Canoa responded immediately to Tzu Chi's call to fundraise for disaster relief. This act of compassion demonstrated the shared commitment to rebuilding hope in the aftermath of disasters, a principle that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis's life was characterized by simplicity and humility. He chose to live in a modest apartment rather than the luxurious papal residence, often using public transportation and engaging directly with people from all walks of life. His actions exemplified the essence of a true leader—one who walks alongside the people he serves.

As we reflect on the profound impact of Pope Francis, we recognize that his teachings will continue to guide us in our mission to serve humanity. His call for compassion and understanding resonates with Tzu Chi's core values, reminding us that we are all interconnected and responsible for one another.

While the passing of Pope Francis is a significant loss for the global community, his unwavering commitment to love, peace, and justice will forever inspire us to carry forward his legacy. Tzu Chi remains dedicated to fostering interfaith collaboration and humanitarian practices, ensuring that the light of hope and compassion continues to shine brightly in the world.