Page 5 - IB April 2025

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

A LEGACY OF HOPE

Pope Francis has left a legacy of hope for millions of Roman Catholic faithful
around the world and those who seek climate justice.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first Pope born Publisher & Editor
Netani Rika
outside Europe since the Syrian, Gregory II, in the 8th Century.
He rose to prominence in 2001 during civil unrest in his home country and did not General Manager
hesitate to speak out against the repressive approach to the people by two regimes. Samantha Magick
His election as Pope, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013,
was a surprise to many Vatican observers but signaled an approach which was less Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
repressive and more people-centred. Waisale Rokotuiveikau
He chose Francis as his papal name, honouring St Francis of Assisi and signaling his Reporters
intent to tackle issues around nature and creation. Aisha Azeemah
Francis was noted for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, international Ema Ganivatu
visibility as pope, concern for the poor, and commitment to interreligious dialogue. Prerna Priyanka
This approach has not trickled down through every strata of the church, but some
progress has been made.
As Pope, Francis called for a church which smelled like the poor, given that Designer
millions of Catholics—and indeed billions of the world’s people—live in poverty. Dick Lee
His inclusive approach ensured that the Roman Catholic church aligned itself more
towards Jesus Christ’s teaching about caring for those in need. Contributors
Perhaps his greatest contribution was to the fight against global warming. He Jon Fraenkel
took that message to government leaders at every possible opportunity. This did not Len Garae
make him many friends among global leaders. Nic Maclellan
He also caused offence by refusing to condemn members of the LGBTQI+ Alipate Pareti
community on the basis of their sexual orientation. Francis said: “If a person is gay Rowena Singh
and seeks out the Lord and is willing, who am I to judge that person? Vehia Wheeler
“I was paraphrasing by heart the Catechism of the Catholic Church where it says
that these people should be treated with delicacy and not be marginalised.”
It was in the margins that Francis based his ministry appointing cardinals from
among the poorer nations, including Cardinal Soane Mafi Batita of Tonga and Islands Business is published monthly by
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Cardinal Sir John Ribat of Papua New Guinea. Editorial & Advertising Offices
Will his successor be able to continue the work Francis has started in these areas, GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
as well as the protection of refugees, migrants, and women? Tel: +679 9719660
Francis showed that it was possible, with political will, to make a stand. He
recognised that it was the role of the church to speak for the oppressed. And he did Emails
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so without fear or favour. Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
As the world changes, will the next pope be equally vocal? Now, more than ever, Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
the world needs a church leader of prominence who will speak for those in need.

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Netani Rika

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