Following the death of Pope Francis, Christine Allen, Director and CEO of CAFOD (Catholic Agency For Overseas Development), said:
“Pope Francis’s greatest gift was that in an increasingly divided world, he could get people and governments to think beyond their own self-interest, and work together for the common good. In fact, more than one world leader credited Francis’s environmental encyclical Laudato Si’ as having paved the way for the Paris climate agreement in 2015.
“Ultimately Pope Francis had a knack for saying things that people didn’t necessarily want to hear - but doing so in a way that they still felt able to listen, as seen when he became the first Pope in history to address US Congress, to rapturous applause from both sides of the aisle.
“Despite his massive influence on the world’s political stage, Francis was very much a Pope in the world and amongst the people: whether it was listening to indigenous communities in the Amazon or kissing the feet of warring rivals in South Sudan and urging them to act for peace, he showed through his words and actions that the poorest, most vulnerable people were always his primary concern.
“His passing is particularly poignant during this Jubilee year, when he had called for debt cancellation for low-income countries. He leaves a huge moral and spiritual void in the world.
“I met Pope Francis at meetings of the global Catholic charity network Caritas, and his warmth, passion and desire for a more just and equal world were evident. He challenged all of us, but he did it with love. A true disciple who will be sorely missed.”
Notes to Editors:
Christine Allen, Director & CEO of CAFOD is available for interview. She has met Pope Francis more than once, and can discuss:
The Pope’s profound impact on geopolitical issues including climate change and debt cancellation for low-income countries
Meeting Pope Francis in person, and seeing how he interacts with others
Pope Francis’ leadership style and how he has used his influence to engage intelligently and proactively with global politics at key moments
What his Papacy has meant for the Church, and to the Catholic community in the UK
For interview requests, please contact: Rosalind Mayfield rmayfield@cafod.org.uk - 07856 799169 or Lucinda Devine-Kennedy ldevine@cafod.org.uk - 07793 972591
CAFOD’s out-of-hours 24/7 media line is +44(0)7919 301429
