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From the onset of his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized the concept of "tenderness," a word frequently heard in his speeches. He portrayed God as loving, not punishing, and urged the Church to embody this love.
Throughout his tenure, Francis, often referred to as the “pope of tenderness,” demonstrated his beliefs in action. In his inaugural speech, he expressed, “We must not be afraid of goodness or even tenderness!” and emphasized that caring requires a gentle touch.
Francis put these principles into practice through personal interactions. Notably, he kissed Vinicio Riva, a man with a disfiguring illness, an act that Riva's father never dared to attempt. In 2018, he reassured a young boy, Emmanuele, that his atheist father was looked favorably upon by God.
The pope also intervened in social issues. He endorsed support for released victims such as Blessing Okoedion, a Nigerian woman rescued from trafficking. Journalist Eva Fernández remarked, “I still seem to hear the force with which Francis made it very clear that prostitution is a crime because it involves torturing a woman.”
Francis personally engaged with individuals, responding to letters and sending aid. Through Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, he dispatched ambulances and supplies globally. His humanitarian focus extended to the homeless and prisoners, offering them spiritual and emotional support.
His visit to female inmates in Chile conveyed a message of hope, encouraging them to harness their inherent strength. Fernández recalled the pope’s emotional interactions with prisoners' children.
Internationally, Francis addressed global crises. He met with Rohingya refugees, apologizing for worldwide “indifference.” During his trip to Bangladesh, he said, “The presence of God today is also called ‘Rohingya.’” Fernández noted the significance of Francis seeking forgiveness on behalf of others.
According to Fernández, Pope Francis’s radical approach to tenderness involved numerous personal engagements, including calls to grieving mothers and empowering marginalized individuals. She stated, “His revolution of tenderness was contagious.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025. His legacy of compassion and empathy endures through his many actions.
