Geneva/New York, April 21, 2025 – The United Nations praised Pope Francis, who passed away aged 88, as a strong defender of peace and human dignity and an advocate for the rights of migrants and refugees. Following are remarks made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a statement issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to Catholics, and all those around the world, inspired by the extraordinary life and example of His Holiness Pope Francis,” said the UN chief.
“Pope Francis was a messenger of hope, humility and humanity. He was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially those on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.
Pope Francis was a man of faith for all faiths — working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward. Through the years, we at the United Nations were greatly inspired by his commitment to the goals and ideals of our organization — a message I was honoured to convey in my meetings with him as Secretary-General.
Pope Francis also understood that protecting our common home is, at heart, a deeply moral mission and responsibility that belongs to every person. Many of us find great meaning in his final Easter message delivered just yesterday.
He appealed for us not to yield to – as he called it – the “logic of fear”. Instead, he urged the world to invest in what he referred to as the “weapons of peace” – to help the most vulnerable, to fight hunger, to advance development. Our divided and discordant world will be a much better place if we follow his example of unity and mutual understanding in our own actions.”
UNHCR Statement on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis – “UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Catholics around the world and to all those mourning the loss of a compassionate and courageous moral leader.
Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for the rights and dignity of refugees, migrants and the forcibly displaced worldwide. He stood up and spoke out continuously and relentlessly for the victims of war and for those forced to flee their homes.
He drew the world’s attention to the human tragedies unfolding at Europe’s borders and those further away – emphasising our shared responsibility in protecting the lives of those forced to flee.
Hearing from refugees firsthand in Lampedusa, Greece, Cyprus and beyond, he made a powerful call to the international community not to turn their back on those forced to flee. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis used his unique moral authority to call on governments and the wider international community to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate refugees into society – especially at a time where their desperate plight is too often met by barriers, rejection and fear. He also engaged in favour of the environment and nature.
His unwavering solidarity with displaced people, his commitment towards global peace, his engagement for humanitarian causes and his call for dialogue to resolve conflict and build solidarity inspired action, compassion, and a deeper sense of shared humanity. He was strongly committed to peace everywhere – from the Middle East, to Colombia, to Ukraine, the Central African Republic, to Sudan, South Sudan, DRC and Myanmar, he spoke for peace, reconciliation and dignity.
On World Refugee Day last year, he called on all “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors,” praying that “States will strive to ensure humane conditions for refugees and to facilitate integration processes.”
His passing is a loss for us all who were inspired by his principles and values and his legacy will continue to guide and strengthen our work to protect those forced to flee.” (This Statement is available here)
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