The Last Words of Pope Francis: A Testament of Humility and Hope

On April 21, 2025, the world paused in reverence as Pope Francis, a beloved spiritual leader and symbol of compassion, passed away at the age of 88. In his final moments, the words he spoke were simple, yet profoundly reflective of his life and ministry. To his healthcare assistant, he quietly said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” These final words, subtle and understated, capture the essence of a man who lived in service, humility, and unwavering gratitude.

But beyond the solemnity of his farewell, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy that echoes the teachings of Christ, resonates with the life of his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, and speaks directly to the emotional and spiritual battles of our modern world—especially around mental health, hope, and healing.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

A Glimpse into the Life of Pope Francis

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. Before entering religious life, he worked briefly as a chemical technician and even served as a nightclub bouncer—a far cry from the ornate halls of the Vatican he would one day walk. In 1958, he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), committing himself to a life of spiritual discipline, intellectual depth, and service to others.

Ordained as a priest in 1969, he later became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. As a cardinal, he was known for his humility, choosing to live in a modest apartment rather than the bishop’s residence and often taking public transportation around the city. On March 13, 2013, he was elected the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over a thousand years.

From the beginning, Pope Francis took on the mission of re-centering the Church’s focus on the poor, the marginalized, and the brokenhearted. He emphasized mercy over judgment, compassion over condemnation, and servant leadership over hierarchy. His decision to name himself after Saint Francis of Assisi, a man who forsook wealth to live in radical simplicity and love for all creation, was no accident—it was a blueprint for his papacy.

Photo Source: National Catholic Reporter

The Power of His Final Words

“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” At first glance, these words may seem logistical—perhaps a nod to returning to St. Peter’s Square, the heart of the Vatican. But symbolically, they mean much more. The “Square” is where the people are. It is where crowds gathered to hear his blessings, where the poor and broken came for healing, where the faithful stood with hope in their hearts. For Pope Francis, returning to the Square was returning to the people. Even in death, he centered his final moment around connection, gratitude, and presence.

These last words reflect Philippians 2:3, which urges believers to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Pope Francis lived out this verse daily, often seen washing the feet of prisoners, hugging children, and meeting with victims of abuse and poverty. His message was clear: to be close to Christ, we must first be close to those who suffer.

Photo Source: Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Inspiration Behind the Name

To understand Pope Francis' legacy, one must also understand Saint Francis of Assisi. Born in 1181 in Italy, Saint Francis grew up in wealth but gave it all up to follow Jesus in radical obedience. He became known for his love for animals, peacebuilding efforts, and his commitment to the poor. He founded the Franciscan Order, whose members live lives of poverty, humility, and service.

Much like Saint Francis, Pope Francis emphasized environmental stewardship, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. He often spoke about “integral ecology”—the belief that caring for creation is intertwined with caring for the poor. His encyclical Laudato Si’ remains a powerful call for climate action rooted in Christian theology.

Addressing Mental Health Through Faith

One of the defining features of Pope Francis' papacy was his compassion for those suffering in silence. In many speeches and writings, he acknowledged the growing mental health crisis across the globe. He validated struggles with anxiety, depression, and burnout—not as signs of weak faith, but as realities of human fragility.

He encouraged the faithful to seek help, break the stigma, and lean into community and prayer. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Pope Francis reminded the world that the Church must be a hospital for the wounded, not a courtroom for the judged.

His empathy for those battling mental illness made him especially beloved by younger generations. In an age where many feel isolated and overwhelmed, his teachings provided a spiritual lifeline—a reminder that God’s grace meets us in our darkest valleys.

His Impact on the People

Pope Francis’ influence stretched far beyond the walls of the Vatican. His papacy resonated with people from all walks of life—Catholics, non-Catholics, believers, and skeptics alike. What made him different was his ability to speak to the human heart. He wasn’t just a Pope who preached; he was a Pope who listened. His words offered comfort to the broken, challenged the comfortable, and awakened a deeper sense of compassion across the globe.

Under his leadership, the Church became more accessible and relatable. He reached out to the LGBTQ+ community with a message of dignity and inclusion. He spoke openly about the refugee crisis, the dangers of climate change, and the need for economic reform to protect the poor. These bold stances won him both admiration and criticism, but they proved his unwavering commitment to the Gospel’s core message: love your neighbor.

Millions felt seen and heard under Pope Francis’ spiritual guidance. From his simple greeting, “Buonasera,” when he first stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, to his consistent calls for peace, mercy, and humility, he left an indelible mark on history—not just as a leader, but as a fatherly figure who embraced the joys and sorrows of humanity. His presence reminded us all that the Church is not a fortress—it is a family.

A Legacy Rooted in Hope

Pope Francis did not lead with fear or doctrine alone. He led with the radical love of Christ. He modeled that faith is not about perfection, but about perseverance. It is not about power, but about presence. And above all, it is about trusting that even in suffering, God’s mercy is bigger than our brokenness.

Romans 15:13 beautifully captures his legacy: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” His final words may have been few, but the life he lived proclaimed the Gospel louder than any sermon.

Final Thoughts

The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Church, but his legacy lives on—in every act of compassion, in every voice that speaks for the voiceless, and in every believer who chooses grace over judgment. His final words, rooted in humility and gratitude, challenge us to return to the “Square”—to be present where the people are, where suffering meets hope, and where love finds its home.

In a time where the world wrestles with mental health crises, spiritual fatigue, and cultural division, Pope Francis reminds us that simplicity, service, and empathy still have the power to transform. His life is a testament that with God, anything is possible.

References

American Bible Society. (n.d.). Matthew 11:28 (New International Version). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28&version=NIV

Catholic News Agency. (2025, April 21). Pope Francis' final words: "Thank you for bringing me back to the Square". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-final-words-thank-you-for-bringing-me-back-to-the-square

Francis, J. M. (2015). Laudato Si': On care for our common home. Vatican Publishing House.

International Herald Tribune. (2025, April 21). Pope Francis dies at 88: The lasting impact of his papacy. International Herald Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.iht.com/pope-francis-legacy

Pope Francis. (2025, April 21). The Last Words of Pope Francis. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OyASyUTgIcY

Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Mental health and wellbeing. Mental Health Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/mental-health-and-wellbeing

Saint Francis of Assisi. (n.d.). Biography. Franciscan Media. Retrieved from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-of-assisi

Vatican News. (2025, April 21). Pope Francis’ final message: A life of service and humility. Vatican News. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/2025/04/pope-francis-final-message