Vatican City– Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, has left an indelible mark on the world through his unwavering commitment to **social justice, peace, and the rights of oppressed communities**. His papacy has been defined by **bold advocacy for refugees, environmental justice, economic equality, and interfaith dialogue**—making him one of the most transformative religious leaders of our time.

Key Pillars of His Legacy:

**Champion of the Poor & Refugees** – From denouncing global indifference toward migrants to washing the feet of prisoners, Pope Francis embodied the Gospel’s call to serve “the least of these.”

**Voice for Peace** – He mediated conflicts, condemned wars, and famously embraced **South Sudan’s rival leaders**, urging reconciliation.

**Environmental Justice** – His groundbreaking encyclical *Laudato Si’* called for urgent action against climate change, linking ecological destruction to economic injustice.

**Critic of Unchecked Capitalism** – He challenged global inequality, calling unfettered greed “the dung of the devil.”

**Bridge-Builder** – Historic visits to **Iraq, Egypt, and the UAE** advanced Muslim-Christian dialogue.

A Pope for the Oppressed: Echoes for Oromo & Global Struggles

While Pope Francis has not specifically addressed the Oromo struggle, his teachings on **human dignity, resistance to tyranny, and the moral duty to protect persecuted peoples** resonate deeply with movements like the Oromo quest for justice. His stance against **ethnic persecution and displacement** mirrors the cries of Oromo victims of state violence.

“Who am I to judge?” – His famous words on inclusion remain a challenge to all systems of oppression.

Final Reflection

History will remember Pope Francis as the “People’s Pope”—a shepherd who walked with the wounded, challenged empires, and redefined modern moral leadership. As the Oromo people and other oppressed nations continue their struggles, his message remains clear: “Peace is not the absence of war; it is justice.”

**#PopeFrancis#SocialJustice#Peace#OromoRights#LaudatoSi**

**”The cry of the poor is the cry of the Earth.” – Pope Francis**