As we continue to honour the memory of Pope Francis – the first Pope from the Global South – we asked some of our partners about the impact he had on their work.
Fr James Ayaga SJ, Mazzolari Teachers’ College, South Sudan:
“As the Holy Father, Pope Francis, returns to the Lord and to the one he loved and served for many years, I will remember him meeting us, Jesuits working in South Sudan.
“In a tiny room in Juba, the Pope join and chaired what we called ‘a community meeting”’. And, I must say, he did not disappoint. First, he was extremely joyful of the youthful radiance and energy we exuded in the meeting. He said something to the effect that ‘there is life here’ – meaning the energy and love in the room and positive and hopeful faces he was seeing.
“Each one of us had an opportunity to interact with him by asking him a question or two. He took his time to answer our questions and encouraged us to stay close to the people and learn from them.
“He told us that in a situation such as ours, in South Sudan, more important than results is the ministry of the presence. These words struck a deep chord with each one of us.
“For a people working in a tough environment, battling with high temperatures, the heat and insecurity, words of encouragement and support is all we needed and the Pope did not disappoint.
“We left that room full of energy to soldier on despite many challenges in our missions here in South Sudan.
“Pope Francis, we will remember you as our brother and companion in the Society of Jesus. Your words of encouragement to us Jesuits and the support from partners, well-wishers, and collaborators we receive and rely on every year has increased our desire to do more: more for the people in the field of education, spiritual formation of the youth, agriculture, vocational and technical education.
“Pope Francis was truly a compassionate servant of God. He has passed over during the time of the Passover celebrations and so we celebrate his entry into new life with Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. We ask him now to intercede for us and all our collaborators and partners in the mission.”
Fr Joel Thompson, Intercultural Bilingual Education, Guyana:
“Even though many Catholics hear prayers for the Pope at every Mass, his presence can sometimes feel distant. Not so for Pope Francis.
“Many Guyanese living in the Hinterland are familiar with Pope Francis because of Laudato Si’. Laudato Si is perhaps one of the most widely read and commented-on encyclicals among indigenous peoples, especially those in Guyana.
“The Pope’s interest in the Amazon certainly piqued my interest. Every time I read Laudato Si’, I marvel at his wisdom and understanding of care within the framework of integral ecology.
“Many indigenous people in Guyana were also amazed that Pope Francis convoked a Synod on the Amazon. During the consultation process for the synod, there was a great sense of gratitude that the Pope was focusing on this region’s pastoral and socio-ecological needs.
“People felt heard by the Holy Father and Rome for the first time. Here in Guyana, our apostolic work remains animated by the four great dreams outlined by Pope Francis in Querida Amazonia (social, cultural, ecological, and ecclesial).
“Our work with Intercultural Bilingual Education engages communities so that the environmental and cultural roots and values remain strong in the face of globalization.
“The dreams inspire us to maintain our pastoral presence and work in the Amazon despite challenges. We are very grateful for the ministry of Pope Francis, and his dreams will live on in the dreams of those living in the Amazon.”
Fr Roland von Nidda, Arrupe Jesuit University, Zimbabwe:
“At Arrupe Jesuit University in Harare, Zimbabwe, students are obliged to do service programmes with the poor. Pope Francis is an inspiration to us.
“He had a genuine love for the poor. He rejoiced with them in their joys, and suffered with them in their hardships, as witnessed by his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires and later as Pope.
“He was a great example to us in our different services and projects with the poor, in the following ways:
“Love for children and youth – he saw the beauty, innocence, and unrealised potential of children, and he did all he could to actualise that potential. He gave them hope for the future, for example during World Youth Days at Rio de Janeiro, Krakow, Panama City, and Lisbon.
“Many of our programmes are aimed at youth. For example, reaching out to young people on drugs, orphaned children, mentally and physically challenged youth, hungry children, by providing a daily meal, street children, and helping with teaching in poor schools and granting scholarships to those who have no money for fees.
“Empowerment – Pope Francis saw God’s image in each person and was pained to see so many people rendered helpless and reduced to being beggars. In Fratelli Tutti he urged countries not to create walls, but bridges for refugees.
“Our work of assisting poor people, be they squatters or those living in slum conditions, is motivated by the example of Pope Francis.
“Thank you, Pope Francis, for inspiring us in the work we do, and thank you Jesuit Missions for the support you give us.”
Patricia Tahirindray, Centre Arrupe Madagascar:
“As part of our environmental project in partnership with Jesuit Missions, the words and gestures of Pope Francis have deeply touched our hearts and shaped our commitments at Centre Arrupe Madagascar.
“Through Laudato Si’, he didn’t just speak to us about ecology — he offered a call to live differently, with respect for the Earth, the poor, and the dignity of every person.
“This message didn’t remain an idea on paper; it became the living foundation of our strategic plan. It inspires us daily, challenges us to act in the face of injustice, to listen to the most vulnerable, and to build paths of hope — even in places where everything seems dry.
“Thanks to this vision, we were able to train young Laudato Si’ animators, from different religious backgrounds, to become messengers of life, ecology, and peace in their communities.
“What moved us most was seeing young people, regardless of their religion, inspired by the words of a Pope — and loving him, because of his humanity, his sincerity, and the respect he inspired across all boundaries.
“Pope Francis taught us to walk humbly, to see the world with new eyes, and to love more widely. And even if his voice has now gone quiet, it continues to guide us. We owe him part of our courage, and part of our hope.”
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