Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declared a seven-day period of official mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. In a heartfelt statement, President Lula reflected on the legacy of the Argentine pontiff, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a leader who was a "voice of respect and warmth for others."
In his tribute, President Lula emphasized the values that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy, including love, tolerance, and solidarity. "As taught in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the pope tirelessly sought to bring love where there was hatred, unity where there was discord," Lula noted. The Brazilian leader also underscored the pontiff's significant contributions to social and environmental issues, highlighting how Pope Francis brought the debate on climate change to the Vatican and condemned economic models that perpetuate injustice and inequality. "He always stood by those who need it most—the poor, the refugees, the young, the elderly, and the victims of wars and all forms of prejudice," Lula stated.
President Lula reminisced about the moments he shared with Pope Francis, describing their meetings as opportunities to exchange ideals of peace, equality, and justice. "We were able to share our ideals of peace, equality, and justice—ideals that the world has always needed, and will always need," he said. The two leaders met officially on three occasions, with their first meeting occurring at the Vatican on February 13, 2020. During this meeting, they discussed the importance of solidarity and the need to combat inequality.
The second meeting took place on June 21, 2023, again at the Vatican, where they reaffirmed their friendship and tackled global issues like peace promotion, environmental preservation, and the fight against hunger and poverty. Lula even invited Pope Francis to visit Brazil, particularly during the Círio de Nazaré celebration in Belém, Pará state.
The third meeting occurred on June 14, 2024, during the G7 Summit in the Apulia region of southern Italy. There, Pope Francis made his debut as a speaker, emphasizing the ethical use of artificial intelligence and condemning the development of lethal autonomous weapons. In a private meeting afterward, Lula and the pope revisited discussions on hunger, peace, and the urgent need to address global inequalities.
In February 2025, First Lady Janja da Silva also met with Pope Francis during a trip to Rome for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. She expressed gratitude for the pope's prayers concerning Lula's health and shared her reflections on the plight of women and girls affected by hunger and poverty.
Pope Francis’s connection with Brazil dates back to his election in 2013, when he chose the country as his first international destination. He was warmly welcomed by then-President Dilma Rousseff at World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro, an event that attracted millions of young Catholics from around the globe. During this visit, the pope engaged with the faithful by visiting the Favela da Varginha, the São Francisco de Assis na Providência de Deus Hospital, and celebrating mass for large crowds in Copacabana. He also visited São Paulo’s National Sanctuary of Aparecida, where he drew a massive audience.
The impact of his visit to Brazil in July 2013 is still vivid in the memories of many, including a journalist who recounted her experience of witnessing the pope's presence. She described the atmosphere during the Youth Vigil on July 27, when the pope passed through a corridor on Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana, riding in his Popemobile amidst a sea of enthusiastic faithful. "It was like a ray of light. It dazzled the eyes before such a spiritual presence. Something that cannot be described. Only felt," she recalled.
As the pope blessed children and interacted with the crowd, the atmosphere was filled with joy and unity, transcending the usual divisions. "The purpose was one: faith. The faith that a pope like Francis symbolized," she noted, reflecting on the diverse gathering of people from various backgrounds united in their shared belief.
Amidst the excitement, the journalist pursued the pope, capturing moments that represented not only her faith but also the broader human experience that Pope Francis embodied. She recalled the palpable warmth and sense of community that surrounded the event, where praises were sung, and the spirit of togetherness prevailed.
On Good Friday of 2025, as the journalist prepared the cover of the printed newspaper Folha do Litoral News, she felt compelled to feature a thought from the pope. Unbeknownst to her, it would be one of the last messages she would share from him. This act was a tribute to the profound influence Pope Francis had on her life and the lives of many others.
In his final public address on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis delivered a message of trust and hope, which resonated deeply with his followers. Despite his frail condition, he managed to greet the crowd, leaving them with a sense of spiritual renewal. His last moments were spent blessing children, a gesture that encapsulated his enduring commitment to the vulnerable and marginalized.
Reflecting on the pope’s legacy, it is evident that his messages transcended religious boundaries, touching the hearts of many around the world. As President Lula stated, "The holy father is gone, but his message will remain engraved in our hearts." Pope Francis’s teachings on love, compassion, and social justice will continue to inspire future generations.
