‘Lolo Kiko’ and the Call to Mercy and Justice

By Social Communications

Published on April 22, 2025

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013.

As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, his election marked a new chapter in the history of the Church. From the very beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis has called all Catholics to return to the heart of the Gospel—a message centered on mercy, compassion, and service to others. He invites the Church to be like a “field hospital,” a place of healing and hope for those who are suffering, lost, or marginalized.

One of Pope Francis’s most profound contributions has been his strong commitment to caring for God’s creation. In his encyclical Laudato Si’, he reminds us that the earth is our common home, entrusted to us by God. He calls every person to take responsibility in protecting the environment and addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. This encyclical is a heartfelt plea to respect the dignity of all creatures and to live in harmony with the world around us.

Pope Francis also champions dialogue and unity among people of different faiths. He recognizes that peace can only come through understanding and respect for one another. This commitment to building bridges extends to his efforts to reform the Church itself. He has spoken openly about the need for transparency, accountability, and renewal, especially in confronting the grave issue of clergy sexual abuse. With great courage, he has strengthened the Church’s response to abuse, always emphasizing the protection and dignity of victims.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been a passionate advocate for social justice. He calls on the Church to stand with the poor, the migrants, the refugees, and all those who suffer injustice or exclusion. His words remind us that Jesus Christ identifies with the least among us, and we are called to show love and care to those in need.

Pope Francis has also addressed complex issues facing families and individuals in today’s world. He encourages the Church to offer pastoral care filled with mercy and understanding, rather than judgment or exclusion. This approach seeks to welcome all people, including those who feel distant from the Church, and to guide them gently back into the fold of God’s love.

In January 2015, Pope Francis visited the Philippines, a country deeply devoted to the Catholic faith. This visit was a momentous occasion, drawing millions of people to celebrate World Youth Day’s fifth anniversary in Manila. One of the most memorable moments was the Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, attended by over six million people—one of the largest papal gatherings in history. During his visit, Pope Francis showed great compassion by meeting survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, offering words of comfort and hope to those who had endured so much suffering. He urged the Filipino people to live their faith boldly, to care for the poor and marginalized, and to protect the environment, especially given the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

Pope Francis’s message continues to inspire Catholics around the world to live lives marked by humility, service, and a commitment to justice. His emphasis on mercy and dialogue invites us all to become instruments of peace in our families, communities, and the wider world. As members of the Church, we are called to respond to his challenge—to open our hearts to God’s love and to serve one another with joy and compassion.