By Sr. Mary Francis Wangare Sebastian, Little Sisters of St. Joseph, Kilgoris
Director, JPIC Franciscans Africa
As a Franciscan and Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) with Franciscans Africa, I have found deep inspiration in the life and leadership of Pope Francis. Like our Holy Father St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis embodies humility, simplicity, and peace. I see in him a modern prophet—walking gently with all of creation, championing interfaith dialogue, and calling us to care for our common home.
Pope Francis was the first to write Laudato Si’, the landmark encyclical on environmental care, reminding us that all of creation is connected. He invited the world to live in fraternal love and mutual respect with every creature, echoing the very spirit of St. Francis. This message touched me deeply as a Franciscan and strengthened my own commitment to justice and ecological peace.
When Pope Francis visited Kenya in 2015, I was profoundly moved. His choice to visit the slums was a powerful sign of his humility and solidarity with the poor. He reminded us that we all belong to the same God and that throwing away food is stealing from the poor—since then, I serve only what I can eat.
Through Fratelli Tutti, he emphasized the need for peace, interfaith collaboration, and climate justice. He condemned corruption as a wound that must be healed and challenged us to care for the environment not out of self-interest, but out of love for others and for God. His example—visiting prisoners and washing their feet—was a living gospel of humility in action.
Pope Francis has left a lasting impact on my vocation and my heart. His words and actions continue to challenge me to serve the poor more faithfully and to build peace wherever I am. His legacy has especially motivated my community outreach work in Isinya.
After visiting his basilica and serving in justice and peace ministry for over 20 years, I am convinced more than ever that religious life must be rooted in service, humility, and care for the marginalized. Pope Francis has taught us that change begins with action, and that peace is not just a hope—it is a mission.
In 2025, I call upon all religious men and women to become champions of Laudato Si’, of peace, and of Franciscan humility—because that is the only way we can truly draw closer to God.
Pope Francis will forever live in my heart. As a Franciscan, I resonate deeply with his life and message. Even my Muslim friend was moved to send condolences upon hearing of his death—a testament to the universal love he inspired.
Very powerful message indeed. Pope Francis was really a beacon of peace as he demonstrated to the leadership of Sudan through kissing his feet in request for peace. To me, he was embodied with humility and simplicity that moved him to see all as brothers and sisters. May pope Francis remain to be our inspiration as we continue serving God in our various ministries.
Amen
Bravo 👌👏. This is quite encouraging. I love the clarity of content expressed in a friendly language just an expose of the Person that Pope Francis has been. Truly a servant ministering fellow servants with love and dignity.
Pope Francis is gone but has left a lasting legacy of a down to earth leader.
Amen
Thanks sr. Mary Frances for deep reflection about Pope Francis humility and love to all people and creatures regardless of religion, color and status. I dentifying himself with the poor of the poorest of our time. An AIC person said after Pope’s dead, now I believe that there is death, why should good people die so fast? He wondered.
Thank you
A fruitful reflection, it has really touched me as a believer nd not only a believer but a religious sister following the foot step of our father Francis..May Pope Francis rest in peace 🕊️
Amen
A great inspiring reflection Sr. Mary. Thanks.Really the Pope has left a Franciscan legacy behind.
Amen ,thank you
Pope Francis’s death was equally of paramount transformation. His way of life became so much like that ofJesus Christ. While we were reflecting on the suffering of Jesus during lent, pope Francis was undergoing the same suffering and finally death. All these have had a significant transformation in our lives. Our celebration of Easter became more meaningful upon reflecting the life of him who was Christ like in our time
Amen
Very inspiring message Sr, Pope Francis was a true Franciscan
Amen
Well reflected my Sister. Congratulations and may God bless your work. This is a powerful message and as a Franciscan I am also touched by this message.
Thank you
You are also an inspiration to many Sister Mary Sebastian, you have challenged many injustices in your journey of service to humanity, you have supported many lives from unwanted to heroes and heroins👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹❤️may God bless you abundantly always and in all endeavours 🙏
Thank you
briancjpc@gmail.com
A great tribute! His impact continues to be felt.
sure !