Pope Francis may no longer be among us, yet his legacy of compassion and the impactful steps he took for humanity are being cherished across social media platforms.
At times, in his mission to promote humanity and peace worldwide, he defied conventions, achieving feats that became exemplars for humanity. These remarkable acts are now resurfacing in public discussions.
When Pope Stood with Muslims
In 2016, amidst rising animosity towards Muslims in Europe, following the distressing Brussels attacks, tensions escalated. During such times, when walls of hatred were rising, Pope Francis stood as a beacon of brotherhood. He washed and kissed the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees, reinforcing the message, "We originate from diverse cultures and religions, yet we are brethren desiring to live in peace."
This act of humility took place at an Italian refugee center, as part of the Holy Thursday rite during the Easter Week – a tradition echoing Jesus's washing of his disciples' feet.
On this occasion, Pope Francis remarked that the terrorist attack was emblematic of devastation, but they stood as symbols of service and fraternity. Following the ceremony, Pope personally engaged with each refugee, took selfies, listened to their stories, and embraced them warmly.
Pope Francis’s Embrace of the LGBTQ Community
While the Vatican traditionally held a distinct stance on the LGBTQ community, Pope Francis paved the way to dismantle walls of animosity towards LGBTQ individuals. He made a significant move by permitting blessings for same-sex couples, a testament to his belief that LGBTQ+ individuals should not be deprived of God’s love or subjected to 'severe moral scrutiny.'
In 2013, Pope Francis gained widespread attention with a profound statement saying, "Who am I to judge?" This conveyed a profound message that the Church should adopt a compassionate view and support the LGBTQ+ community thoughtfully.
