I had the honor of meeting Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, where he spoke to an interfaith audience about the importance of religious tolerance and inclusivity. His message carried special resonance at the site of the 9/11 attacks, and it remains as important today as it was then. His deep commitment to fostering healing and unity inspired people of all faiths around the world, and as did his humble style, commitment to the poor, and calls for tackling climate change and protecting the environment.
It is fitting that his final Easter message included pleas for peace and ‘respect for the views of others,’ a reflection of the compassion, tolerance, and devotion to justice that were hallmarks of his papacy. The world will deeply miss his moral leadership and universal vision.