"A Man for Others, Beyond the Controversies"
(A note after the death of Pope Francis in the eyes of many)
By Kat Ulrike
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 22, 2025, was a pontiff who redefined what it meant to be a religious leader in the modern world. While his legacy is far from free of controversy, especially among critics who often labeled him as "radical," he will be remembered by many as a pope who truly embodied the spirit of "A Man for Others"—a concept that goes beyond the walls of the church and directly into the lives of those he served.
In the days following his death, many Filipinos expressed their grief online, showing a deep appreciation for a man whose leadership resonated with the faithful and non-faithful alike. “So sad, it seems he completed the Holy Week before he passed. Farewell, Pope Francis,” wrote Janice U., reflecting on how the Pope’s passing came right after Easter, symbolically completing the liturgical cycle of suffering, death, and resurrection. Others echoed sentiments of faith and hope in the face of loss. Rolanda A. Y. expressed, “While the Catholic Church mourns your passing, heaven rejoices in welcoming you.” And there were even non-Catholics, like actress Angel Locsin, who expressed their condolences, acknowledging the Pope’s profound impact on the world: “I’m not Catholic, but I love Pope Francis! Thank you for showing what love and kindness are.”
For many Filipinos, Pope Francis was not just a figurehead of the Catholic Church; he represented the values of inclusivity, humility, and compassion that are at the core of their faith. In a nation where Catholicism is deeply ingrained in daily life, the Pope’s connection with ordinary people, especially the marginalized, was a source of inspiration. His actions, from his concern for the poor to his efforts to bring the church closer to the people, often felt more tangible than those of any other pope in modern history.
Yet, not everyone was enamored with Francis. His calls for reform, his embrace of LGBTQ+ rights, and his vocal support for climate action often put him at odds with conservative elements both inside and outside the church. Critics saw him as too radical, challenging long-standing doctrines, especially when it came to issues like celibacy, contraception, and the role of women in the church. His approach was viewed by some as a threat to traditional values, and many dismissed him as a pope who was too eager to blend religious teachings with political and social issues.
But perhaps that was precisely why Pope Francis’ leadership was so powerful: he understood that faith cannot exist in a vacuum. It cannot be confined to theological discussions in ivory towers or sealed within the walls of church buildings. Pope Francis brought faith into the streets, into the homes, and into the lives of the people who needed it most. He saw the "church" not just as a building, but as a living, breathing community, grounded in compassion and action.
In this way, Pope Francis truly embodied the concept of "A Man for Others," a phrase coined by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the order to which Francis belongs. Being a man for others means giving oneself in service, often without regard for personal comfort or gain, and Pope Francis lived this out in every aspect of his pontificate. Whether it was visiting the poorest corners of the world, speaking out against inequality, or advocating for the protection of the environment, his actions were always rooted in the idea that faith is about love and service to others, especially the marginalized.
Critics may argue that his papacy was too focused on social issues and not enough on traditional church teachings. But for those who followed him closely, it was evident that Pope Francis was always grounded in the teachings of Christ—love, compassion, and justice for all. He was a pontiff who sought to bring the church closer to the world, not as an institution of power, but as a source of healing and hope.
In the Philippines, where the Pope made a historic visit in 2015, his death has left a void, but it has also sparked a renewed reflection on what it means to live out one’s faith. Pope Francis will be remembered not as a perfect man—he was, after all, a product of his time—but as a figure who saw the church for what it could be: a living expression of faith, one that is meant to reach beyond the altar and touch the lives of those in need. His commitment to social justice, humility, and love will continue to inspire Catholics and non-Catholics alike for years to come.
In the end, Pope Francis was not just a religious leader, but a symbol of how faith can transcend the confines of institutions and inspire real-world change. He may have been seen as "radical" by some, but in the eyes of many, he was a shepherd who cared for his flock, a man who lived out the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
And in that, Pope Francis truly was a man for others.