Pope of the poor and of peace

A church of the poor for the poor, was the motto of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known worldwide as Pope Francis, the son of a family of Italian immigrants who had arrived in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires almost 100 years ago. When he became Pope, he chose the name Francis, as a sign of respect for the monk Francis D'Assis who, referring to his humanitarian commitment almost a thousand years ago, was considered synonymous with the poor and peace. The Pope himself became one. His life and the messages he left to Albanians are a testament

“A chapter in the history of the Church has closed,” said Gerhard Ludwig Müller, when the Pope’s death was announced. The cardinal headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and often disagreed with Francis, who was known for his traditionalist views.

At least 400 people are bidding farewell to the Pope. Among them: more than 130 delegations, 10 monarchs and 50 heads of state, including US President Donald Trump. But not only them.

The official Vatican announced that the poor and needy were invited to the homage. And, an invitation like this unravels the philosophy of Pope Francis. He rests eternally in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. It was his will to be buried there. He deviated from tradition and not only that. The farewell was given to him on Saturday, April 26.

Life in simplicity and humility

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A church of the poor for the poor, was the motto of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known worldwide as Pope Francis, the son of a family of Italian immigrants who had arrived in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires nearly 100 years ago.

When he became Pope, he chose the name Francis, as a sign of respect for the monk Francis of Assisi, who, in reference to his humanitarian commitment nearly a thousand years ago, became synonymous with the poor and peace. The Pope himself became one.  

Iacopo Scaramuzzi, a journalist and author of a book about the pontificate of Pope Francis, says that the characteristics of the first Latin American Pope are rooted in his biography, and one cannot understand Francis without knowing Bergoglio. Before dedicating himself entirely to the service of God, Bergoglio had worked as a cleaner in a sock factory and a bouncer in a nightclub.

He was ordained a priest in 1969 and became the leader of the Jesuits of a province in Argentina between 1973 and 1979. In 1988 he was appointed bishop of Buenos Aires. Three years later, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals.

In 2013 he was elected the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, becoming the first pope born outside Europe to ascend to the helm of the Holy See in more than a thousand years.

Don Fatmir Koliqi has described the moment of Francis' election as a surprise, because Francis was initially not known by the general public.

"We usually say that these surprises are made by the Spirit of God. So, that surprise happened to be good, it was pleasant, and that a lot has happened in these 12 years and that they have served not only the church, but also all of humanity," said Koliqi, parish priest of Stubllë.

From the beginning of his papacy, Francis signaled a departure from traditional papal norms. He abandoned the Apostolic Palace for a simple room in the Casa Santa Marta, a residence used by bishops and cardinals visiting Rome. He also traveled in a modest car and wore ordinary papal robes, showing that humility was not just a word for him, but a way of life.

The prominent publicist, Veton Surroi, in the article "How did Pope Francis become a Kosovar and what did he order?", highlights another symbolic act, where the Holy Father demonstrated simplicity and humility, a central part of his character. 

"Instead of the traditional blessing that he was supposed to give to the faithful gathered in the square, he first asked the people gathered in the square to bless him. He bowed deeply to accept it and only then fulfilled the tradition by blessing the crowd that had gathered to congratulate a special Pope, one who is already leaving a deep mark on the world," Surroi wrote.

Commitment to interfaith dialogue

Francis's biggest challenge was addressing the high-profile sex scandals involving Catholic clergy. He strengthened accountability mechanisms and met with victims to hear their stories. He worked hard to open up interfaith dialogue, aiming to bridge the gap between Christianity and Islam.

"I think it's not right to identify Islam with violence. I think that in almost all religions there are small fundamentalist groups. We Catholics have them too," he would say.

His commitment to transparency and reform paved the way for a process of institutional healing that once seemed impossible. He reformed the Vatican's Penal Code, bringing penalties closer to those of international law, and toughened laws against corruption and crimes against minors. 

Francis's bold reforms are also praised by publicist and editor Enver Robelli, listing in an article some of the major changes during the period the Pope was at the head of the Vatican.

"He did not accept that women should exercise the function of priestesses, but during his pontificate he promoted many women to important positions in the Vatican, reformed (cleaned up) the Vatican bank, banned the church's business with the mafia, and tightened the laws against major sexual abuse by church dignitaries. These abuses have played a major role in the departure of many people from the Catholic Church," wrote Robelli, editor of the Swiss daily "Tages Anzeiger", a regular columnist in "KOHA Ditore".

Albania, the first country he set foot in as Pope

During his Papacy, the Holy Father visited 66 countries around the world, with 47 episcopal journeys. His first visit after being elected to the head of the Holy See has a symbolic meaning. It is Albania, the first country he set foot in as Pope. And, this strengthened and gave a new meaning to the connection with the Albanians.

The visit of September 21, 2014, to Tirana was received with enthusiasm. As is rare, hundreds of thousands of believers, Christians and Muslims, had filled the central boulevard of the Albanian capital to welcome Pope Francis. The essence of his message was hope and the example of interfaith coexistence.

He was welcomed into the Albanian's house, which belongs to God and to his friend.

In Tirana, where he was declared an honorary citizen by the then mayor, Lulzim Basha, Francis called the peaceful coexistence between Catholics, Orthodox, and Muslims a precious gift for the country, while raising his voice against religious extremism, which he described as a driver of violence and conflict.

"The climate of mutual respect and trust between Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims is a precious gift to the country, which takes on particular importance in our times, when the true religious spirit is being misused by extremist groups, and where religious differences are being misinterpreted and instrumentalized, making them a dangerous factor of conflict and violence," Pope Francis said in Tirana on September 21, 2014.

With the exaltation of 40 Albanian martyrs, the canonization of Mother Teresa, and the elevation of Dom Ernest Simon to the rank of cardinal, Pope Francis showed that his commitment to Albania was deep and sincere.

The Pope's visit to Albania, in addition to having symbolic weight, according to writer Ndue Ukaj, also serves as first-hand evidence that Francis knew the Albanian nation and accepted it into his fold.

"The Pope's visit to Albania was very symbolic in terms of the relations that the Albanian nation had with the Vatican historically. The Pope, through choosing to make his first visit abroad to Albania, demonstrated the Vatican's care for the Albanians, and his well-known sentences, his enduring messages, the recognition of historical values ​​and depths. The mention of Skanderbeg, of Mother Teresa was proof that he knew the Albanian nation and accepted it into his bosom," he said.

Two years later, on November 19, 2018, the Holy Father received representatives from all territories inhabited by Albanians at the Vatican, on the occasion of the 550th anniversary of the death of Gjergj Kastrioti - Skanderbeg, the "Athlete of Christ".

Referring to the guidelines for maintaining unity among Albanians while respecting differences and understanding the "deep dignity" of opponents, the publicist Veton Surroi praises Francis's peaceful approach, while drawing some parallels with the situation of Kosovo Albanians during the 90s. Above all, he cites Francis' canonization of Mother Teresa as a defining moment. 

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"In it, Mother Teresa is inevitably present"

"In it, Mother Teresa is inevitably present, whom this very Pope canonized and whom he called 'a symbol, an icon of our times'. When you are occupied, violated on a daily basis, and when you are engaged in a policy of nonviolence, which, the Pope says in the Message, is 'sometimes understood by others as surrender, non-commitment and passivity', it is important, as it was for us, to have an understandable, global symbol, an icon of our times, such as that of Mother Teresa," Surroi wrote.

In 2023, in a video message to young Albanians, Francis emphasized that "unity is not uniformity," but that diversity is a divine gift.

He invited young people to build their future on peace, dialogue and respect, while urging them not to abandon their homeland. "The homeland needs you," the Pope said, among other things, in the video message distributed by the Episcopal Conference of Albania.

The Holy Father praised Albania as a model for the world, an example that even small nations with difficult pasts can be a light for others. This view is also affirmed by Don Fatmir Koliqi, as he mentions the model of coexistence as the decisive factor that distinguishes the Albanian nation from others.

"On another aspect, which he himself said, we don't need to invent anything, because he himself says why, because of tolerance and coexistence, a model that our people can give, that they have given for themselves, but also for the world," said Koliqi. According to him, the Pope wanted not to go first to those who are powerful and who perhaps have forgotten a little of their humility.

"But in those who do, there is a humility, a simplicity, which makes them special as a people and they fight every day for their future. And this is our Albanian people who had emerged from a dark period of communism, but who have given an extremely great example that we must stand until the end against evil," he said.

Pope Francis had promised to visit Kosovo during his meeting with President Vjosa Osmani.

"'I will come to Kosovo', was Pope Francis' promise during the audience I had with him, at the Holy See, showing how much love he had for smaller countries, especially for the humble people of Kosovo. Unfortunately, he was unable to make this visit, because His Holiness, Pope Francis, passed away, but he will be remembered as a spiritual leader who, with his humility, wisdom and boundless love, gave the world a rare example of humanity and service", recalled President Osmani.

Messages as a testament

Beyond his official duties, Pope Francis was known for his human warmth. He hugged children, prayed with the sick, and even didn't hesitate on one occasion to stop the papal car to bless a disabled child.

In his memoirs, "Life: My Story Through History," he shares personal stories: an early love that shocked him, the loss of a lung in his youth, the loneliness in the seminary, and the weight of pain he carried as Pope. He had a passion for music, poetry, and was an ardent fan of the San Lorenzo football team.

For the formation of the Pope's personality, publicist Ndue Ukaj sees his past and background as unsurpassed, as he highlights the tradition of reading, which in Francis' eyes was one of the best ways to nourish and educate the human heart.

"Without a doubt, he had an impact. He was a Pope of details, he was simple, he washed the feet of prisoners, he kissed the feet of others, he went to the suburbs, he did not choose to live in luxury, he chose a simple life, and these were the messages of a great man. He had an artistic soul, he loved tango, he loved music, he loved literature. Recently, he also wrote a letter, through which he asked us not to forget the tradition of reading, because reading was one of the good ways to educate the human heart," said Ukaj.

Before his death, Pope Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for 38 days due to bronchitis that later developed into double pneumonia. When he was released from the hospital, doctors had recommended at least two months of rest.

In the past, he had also struggled with chronic knee and back pain, and often used a wheelchair. Despite his health, he had a busy schedule, and he performed the duties of a Pope as required. Until his last breath.

On April 20, the day before his death, he gave his last public Easter blessing, as he wished all the Catholic faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square and beyond a happy holiday. Although his voice was weak, the message was powerful: peace, love, and care for the planet.

Many world leaders, following the announcement of the Pope's death, have recalled his calls for peace and tolerance.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the news of Pope Francis' death is a strong reason for sadness, because a great man who did his best to end wars in the world has passed away.

"Pope Francis has never stopped calling for peace, for an end to the wars that are ending humanity, from the tortured Ukraine to the Middle East, passing through the Sahel. He did this even when he knew that some might not understand and that his words could be distorted and exploited. But his many calls for peace are for us a further reminder of responsibility," she said.

For the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Pope Francis inspired millions of people, beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and genuine love for the poor.

Her comments were echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said the Pope was a humble man who sided with the most vulnerable and fragile.

And the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, in honor of Pope Francis, issued an executive order that flags in the US be lowered to half-mast.

"I have just signed an executive order to lower our country's flags to half-staff, all federal flags and state flags, in honor of Pope Francis. He was a good man, who worked hard. He loved the world, and so it is an honor to do this," President Trump said.

In his homeland, Argentina, a seven-day mourning period has been declared.

Francis sought to reshape the Catholic Church's approach to modern challenges, emphasizing compassion over doctrine and outreach over rule. He will be remembered not only for his structural reforms but also for his emphasis on mercy, dialogue, and spiritual renewal.

This style is a big part of his legacy. Francis was a Pope who wanted nothing to do with the grandeur of the papacy. His concern for those most affected by economic hardship, war and politics, as well as the wave of refugees flowing through Europe and America, was matched by his sensitivity to those affected by the climate crisis.

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The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, but also experiences his life as an inspiration. His death revives the messages he left as a testament. He built bridges between peoples and religions. He aimed to lead humanity towards the light. He gave voice to the silent and led the Church with mercy and humility.

He was the Pope of the poor and of peace.